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
ABC News, 31 May 2026
Astronauts were typically on board for these tests, so the idea that people would be on the shuttle during a flight readiness firing is plausible.
—Eric Berger & Lee Hutchinson, ArsTechnica, 31 May 2026
Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 2 June 2026
Citizens initiates Microsoft as market outperform Citizens says the stock is firing on all cyinders.
—Michael Bloom, CNBC, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for firing
Noun
In the Gomel region that borders Ukraine, construction has begun of a big firing range and barracks for large numbers of troops, Zhyhar said.
—ABC News, 31 May 2026
Astronauts were typically on board for these tests, so the idea that people would be on the shuttle during a flight readiness firing is plausible.
—Eric Berger & Lee Hutchinson, ArsTechnica, 31 May 2026
Verb
If a person or flammable material is identified within the engagement area, the system prevents the laser from firing.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 2 June 2026
Citizens initiates Microsoft as market outperform Citizens says the stock is firing on all cyinders.
—Michael Bloom, CNBC, 1 June 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
-
According to Marcia, George was convinced he’d be laughed out of Hollywood because in the original script characters were running around and shooting at one another and nobody was getting hurt.—
Emily St. Martin,
Los Angeles Times,
2 June 2026
-
Soaring through skies, dodging obstacles, and shooting tiny robots and giant bosses felt great to begin with, and none of it needs to change significantly.—
Will Greenwald,
PC Magazine,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
The honors program provides students with innovative and stimulating academic programming through high-impact learning practices.—
Aegis,
Baltimore Sun,
28 May 2026
-
Cinnamon can be used for everything from germination to protecting plants from pests and diseases, from stimulating plant growth to as a natural antiseptic, fungicide, and pest repellent.—
Michelle Mastro,
The Spruce,
23 May 2026
Verb
-
Villa’s then sporting director Monchi reportedly attempting a straight swap of him for goalkeeper Emi Martinez last summer is a sacking offence (perhaps literally).—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
26 May 2026
-
Giants linebacker Abdul Carter didn’t waste any time sacking his own quarterback.—
Leonard Greene,
New York Daily News,
23 May 2026
Verb
-
Two nights after throwing 21 pitches over 1⅔ innings, Johnson threw 124 pitches over 7⅓ strong innings to beat the host Aggies (41-14) before a crowd of 6,934.—
Jose de Jesus Ortiz,
Los Angeles Times,
1 June 2026
-
Houser grinded through a pair of long innings that ate into his pitch count, throwing 37 pitches in the first inning and 27 more pitches in the third inning.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
31 May 2026
Verb
-
The thought swings through her, like a burning stick through night air.—
Maggie O’Farrell,
Literary Hub,
2 June 2026
-
But as Houston Methodist’s fitness team explains, burning fat during a workout isn’t the same as losing body fat overall.—
Allison Palmer
June 2,
Charlotte Observer,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
Many people now shelter in the capital, Beirut, where hundreds have been killed, including in an intense, minutes-long bombardment in April.—
Melanie Lidman,
Los Angeles Times,
31 May 2026
-
Many people now shelter in the capital, Beirut, where hundreds have been killed, including in an intense bombardment in April.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
31 May 2026
Verb
-
Meanwhile, the company has spread Craigslist postings targeting residents of other US cities such as Boston—and MicroAGI founder and CEO Bercan Kilic teased the prospect of the Shift app soon launching in additional cities such as London, Munich, and Zurich.—
Jeremy Hsu,
ArsTechnica,
29 May 2026
-
After a year of behind-the-scenes maneuvering, the region’s MLB hopefuls gave the public a first look at their plan to court the league this week, launching West Sacramento into a competition with cities across North America, some of which have spent years advancing bids.—
Chris Biderman,
Sacbee.com,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Firing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/firing. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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