1
as in shooting
to cause (a projectile) to be driven forward with force
police officers firing rubber bullets
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in discharging
to cause a weapon to release a missile with great force
soldiers fired at the enemy in panic-stricken disorder
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in stimulating
to give life, vigor, or spirit to
a school outing to the natural history museum fired his imagination, and he grew up to become an eminent paleontologist
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in sacking
to let go from office, service, or employment
fired the secretary for incompetence
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in throwing
to send through the air especially with a quick forward motion of the arm
fired a pass to the running back
Synonyms & Similar Words
6
as in burning
to set (something) on fire
lit some kindling before attempting to fire the logs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of firing
Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2025
China showed off its ambitions for space in the 21st century as its first reusable heavy booster, the ZhuQue-3 (ZQ-3) Y1 from the Landspace company, conducted its first static firing at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China.
—New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2025
Greg Myre, NPR, 28 Oct. 2025
Hankison was convicted of violating Taylor’s civil rights the night she was killed by firing a total of 10 shots into her apartment through a sliding glass door and window that were covered by blinds.
—Lillian Metzmeier, Louisville Courier Journal, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for firing
Noun
Requiring over 20 hours of fabrication time, this lustrous dial is produced via the application of numerous layers of vitreous enamel and multiple firings in a kiln measuring between 800 degrees and 900 degrees Celsius.
—Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2025
China showed off its ambitions for space in the 21st century as its first reusable heavy booster, the ZhuQue-3 (ZQ-3) Y1 from the Landspace company, conducted its first static firing at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China.
—New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
On Tuesday, Israel accused Hamas of firing on Israeli forces still in Gaza.
—Greg Myre, NPR, 28 Oct. 2025
Hankison was convicted of violating Taylor’s civil rights the night she was killed by firing a total of 10 shots into her apartment through a sliding glass door and window that were covered by blinds.
—Lillian Metzmeier, Louisville Courier Journal, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for firing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for firing
Noun
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Using them lets the driver maximize engine power under varying driving conditions, such as accelerating in a straight line or blasting between apexes at a track or on a twisty road.—
Karl Brauer,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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The hallmarks of this franchise — dark ship corridors with steam blasting and floors creaking — are in full effect here as well.—
Dave Nemetz,
TVLine,
6 Aug. 2025
Verb
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However, George has size, shooting ability and a pretty good feel for defense, plus enough ball skills to make it as a long-term combo forward.—
John Hollinger,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
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Harvick also justified federal agents shooting a local pastor with a pepper ball.—
Kinsey Crowley,
USA Today,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Pneumococcal vaccines work by stimulating an immune system response to pneumonia bacteria.—
Helen Carefoot,
Flow Space,
20 Oct. 2025
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The mouse portion of the new research found that Covid mRNA vaccination appeared to make the immune system more attuned to recognizing tumors as a threat by stimulating dendritic cells, a type of white blood cell.—
Kaitlin Sullivan,
NBC news,
19 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Losing to Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup led Amorim to discuss his long-term future at United, but senior executives have little appetite for sacking yet another head coach.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
19 Oct. 2025
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The defensive line took advantage of a weak Auburn O-line, sacking Arnold five times.—
Maddie Hartley,
Kansas City Star,
19 Oct. 2025
Verb
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All three celebs proved how versatile a quarter-zip pullover can be by throwing it on during a relaxing night at home, pairing it with sweatpants for a matching set, and dressing it up with slacks.—
Rachel Trujillo,
PEOPLE,
29 Oct. 2025
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The synopsis above only covers the first 20 minutes or so of the movie; after that, Kouf keeps throwing twist after twist into the mix, constantly drawing the viewer in with developments that are both emotionally impactful and thematically rich.—
Jim Hemphill,
IndieWire,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Cobalt, which can cause a burning sensation when handled, was one of the most common of these and is named for the kobold.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Oct. 2025
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The home features two wood-burning fireplaces, a mudroom and a recreational room, according to the listing.—
Francesca Pica,
jsonline.com,
27 Oct. 2025
Noun
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But the towns and cities nearest to the nuclear plant have found themselves under relentless bombardment from Russian artillery, missiles, and combat drones.—
Simon Shuster,
Time,
23 Oct. 2025
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The reactor vessel, where atoms are split, is made of specialized steel up to 10 inches thick that must withstand bombardment by radiation for decades.—
Brad Plumer,
New York Times,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Gigantic magnetic bubbles also break free from the Sun as the solar magnetic field reconfigures, launching up to fifty billion tons of plasma into interplanetary space.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Oct. 2025
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Two veteran data journalists are launching a new investigative publication to cover rising authoritarianism from the shadowy corners of the internet.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
27 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Firing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/firing. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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