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
Steven Beynon, ABC News, 16 Apr. 2026
Around 200 kids congregated around the Navy Yard Metro station March 14, leading to multiple robberies and a 15-year-old firing a gun.
—Mike Stunson, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026
Christa Swanson, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2026
Operators remain inside an armored vehicle to avoid exposure during firing.
—Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 14 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for firing
Noun
Dan Driscoll was pressed by lawmakers on Hegseth's firing of top generals.
—Steven Beynon, ABC News, 16 Apr. 2026
Around 200 kids congregated around the Navy Yard Metro station March 14, leading to multiple robberies and a 15-year-old firing a gun.
—Mike Stunson, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026
Verb
In February, a Weld County jury convicted Jimmy Cazares of firing 59 shots into Wyler's Pub and Brew in Greeley in 2024.
—Christa Swanson, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2026
Operators remain inside an armored vehicle to avoid exposure during firing.
—Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 14 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for firing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for firing
Noun
-
The sweet spot for blasting is in the center of each round target.—
Dewayne Bevil,
The Orlando Sentinel,
3 Apr. 2026
-
McLeod grew up listening to the quarry’s warning sirens, learning to take cover indoors before the blasting began.—
Sarah Zhang,
The Atlantic,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Rage and hyperpop savant Jane Remover doesn’t hide the hooks; the noise is a tool for opening a vein, the better to send a melody shooting straight into your bloodstream.—
Craig Jenkins,
Vulture,
21 Apr. 2026
-
In the footage, which does not include any sound, the woman can be seen holding the gun and speaking before eventually shooting.—
Alex Nitzberg,
FOXNews.com,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The brand promises results in four weeks—we’re talking reduced fine lines, dullness, and dark circles, along with improved elasticity, thanks to collagen-stimulating regrowth that encourages a more youthful appearance.—
Lauren Pardee,
InStyle,
13 Apr. 2026
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In mice, researchers have already been stimulating mice with ultrasound.—
Paul Sisson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Downing Street moved swiftly late on Thursday to try to quash the scandal, sacking the Foreign Office’s top official, Olly Robbins.—
Reuters,
CNN Money,
16 Apr. 2026
-
The confrontation went viral in December 2024, as cameras captured Gastineau confronting Favre in 2023 over Michael Strahan sacking the Green Bay Packers legend to break Gastineau's single-season sack record.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Though the arrest took place in 2023, the incident made headlines again in March after a video of the altercation — showing Paul yelling, putting Mortensen in a headlock and throwing chairs at him while a child could be heard crying — was published by TMZ.—
Becca Longmire,
PEOPLE,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Billy Cook dropped a bunt to move Bart to third, but Feduccia took too long throwing to first, so the Pirates had two on with no outs.—
Marc Topkin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
19 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Weeks later, another house in the exact same spot was burning — again in the name of science.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
21 Apr. 2026
-
This avoids burning the cups and creates the perfect steamy environment for poaching.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Hundreds have been arrested in countries across the Gulf region, according to the United Nations’ high commissioner for human rights, some on allegations of expressing sympathies for Iran’s attacks and for posting images of Iranian bombardments to social media.—
Jane Lytvynenko,
NBC news,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Israel had responded with heavy bombardment and a ground invasion.—
Abby Sewell,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Peter Kroehler learned the ins-and-outs of the furniture business through Long’s workshop, eventually launching his own company.—
Carolyn Stein,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Apr. 2026
-
Gernand’s expertise includes launching new market entry models, structuring strategic partnerships and optimizing real estate portfolios.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Footwear News,
17 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Firing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/firing. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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