FIRING Synonyms: 269 Similar and Opposite Words

firing 1 of 2

noun

ˈfī-riŋ

Definition of firing next

as in blasting

a directed propelling of a missile by a firearm or artillery piece found a flaw in the gun's firing

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firing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of fire

as in shooting

to cause (a projectile) to be driven forward with force police officers firing rubber bullets

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as in discharging

to cause a weapon to release a missile with great force soldiers fired at the enemy in panic-stricken disorder

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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

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as in sacking

to let go from office, service, or employment fired the secretary for incompetence

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as in throwing

to send through the air especially with a quick forward motion of the arm fired a pass to the running back

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as in burning

to set (something) on fire lit some kindling before attempting to fire the logs

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of firing

Noun

This claim became central to her lawsuit against Disney following her firing in 2021, which occurred after Lucasfilm publicly condemned her social media activity. —

Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026 The school’s vice president of communications told The Star’s Eric Adler that the firing was not based solely on the protest and pointed to prior incidents in his personnel file, while more than 200 parents and students have signed a petition asking for his reinstatement. —

Hannah Wise, Kansas City Star, 14 May 2026

Verb

The state-run Anadolu Agency said the 37-year-old suspect in the latest attack, identified as Metin O, allegedly shot and killed his wife in a street before firing from his car at a restaurant, killing its owner and an employee. —

ABC News, 18 May 2026 Council members voted to reinstate the police officers and approved a measure blocking the mayor from firing them for 30 days. —

CBS News, 18 May 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