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
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
Preston Fore, Fortune, 16 Sep. 2025
On Tuesday, McEntarfer said that late-responding firms were the principal reason for the negative revision that preceded her firing.
—Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 16 Sep. 2025
Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 17 Sep. 2025
His competitive juices were still firing at 45.
—Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for firing
Noun
Many of this week’s firings over Charlie Kirk have reportedly happened swiftly, without investigations or even conversations.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 16 Sep. 2025
On Tuesday, McEntarfer said that late-responding firms were the principal reason for the negative revision that preceded her firing.
—Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
Robinson is accused of firing a single shot, which struck Kirk in the neck in front of a courtyard packed with UVU students and other spectators.
—Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 17 Sep. 2025
His competitive juices were still firing at 45.
—Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for firing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for firing
Noun
-
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
-
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
-
The killing triggered widespread political turmoil, outrage, and a manhunt, resulting in the arrest of shooting suspect Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old from Utah.—
Ashley Lutz,
Fortune,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Speaking of performance what was the experience of shooting Song Sung Blue with Hugh Jackman like?—
Emma Specter,
Vogue,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Integrating dogs into the workplace can reduce the stress of worrying about them all day, and also potentially save employees money in monitoring cameras and stimulating activities when left home alone.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Ketamine works by stimulating the brain’s resilience mechanisms, according to Krystal.—
Rachel Hale,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The Giants largely held Jayden Daniels in check, particularly after halftime, while sacking him 3 times.—
Howard Megdal,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Micah Parsons #1 of the Green Bay Packers reacts after sacking Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field on September 07, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.—
Michael Gallagher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
As well as job displacement, AI risks deepening wealth inequality—concentrating the gains among those who own or are able to leverage its abilities, while throwing the remainder into the same basket of the formerly employable unemployed.—
Hugh Cameron,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
-
In the show, following Conrad's surprise arrival in Paris the day before Belly's 22nd birthday, the pair spent some time together sightseeing before heading to the party Belly's Parisian friends were throwing her.—
Megan McCluskey,
Time,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
These bones are covered by thinner layers of muscle and fat and would have been more prone to burning if a body were placed over a fire.—
Mindy Weisberger,
CNN Money,
15 Sep. 2025
-
Farad Fire has been burning on private land.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
While Polish jets have been scrambled before following previous Russian drone bombardments, the latest attack has raised concerns over whether Moscow is, in fact, testing NATO's resolve, something which could provoke an escalation in the war.—
Brendan Cole,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Sep. 2025
-
The evacuation orders caused panic and confusion among residents of the strip's largest urban centre, who say there is no safe place to go to escape bombardment and a humanitarian crisis.—
USA Today,
USA Today,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
After launching in Europe, the Peel It Back Tour hit the States in early August, treating fans in Oakland, California, to a mix of hits and deep cuts that continue to define their legacy as a seminal force in industrial rock.—
Ed Masley,
AZCentral.com,
14 Sep. 2025
-
And the disarming nature of someone like Jon Cryer starting this thing felt good to me rather than just launching right into the chaos.—
Lynette Rice,
Deadline,
13 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Firing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/firing. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share