Thesaurus results for FIRING SQUAD

firing squad

noun

Definition of firing squad

as in rear guard

Related Words

Relevance

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 squad Frenzied congressional gerrymandering across the states has become a circular firing squad. — Jim Nowlan, Chicago Tribune, 20 May 2026 Seven executions have been carried out in the state since capital punishment was resumed, including three men who chose to die by firing squad. — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 6 May 2026 This Democratic circular firing squad could continue right up to Election Day on June 2. — Daniel Borenstein, Mercury News, 5 May 2026 Executions then resumed in 1977, when double murderer Gary Gilmore was put to death by firing squad. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 13 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for firing squad

Recent Examples of Synonyms for firing squad

Noun

Optional extras include alarm/geolocation, a retractable rear guard rail, a canopy, and custom setups for family or cargo.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 July 2026
Any suggestions that Lionel Messi’s presence at the 2026 World Cup might be diminished crumbled on Tuesday night with Algeria’s rear guard.

— Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 17 June 2026

Definition of rear guard

Noun

Ukraine's Zelenskyy also said the country's armed forces had responded to Russian attacks on ships in the Black Sea by striking two military patrol boats and shadow fleet vessels.

— Sam Meredith, CNBC, 6 Aug. 2026
As officers were examining the shooting site, a separate patrol unit stopped a speeding white 2019 BMW 330i near South 11th and Keyes streets and discovered one of the occupants was the third victim, a man who had been shot in the arm.

— Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of patrol

Noun

In humans, traits such as neuroticism and recklessness appear to have some evolutionary basis—emerging perhaps to provide our species with sentries who alerted us to threats, and with explorers who led the way to new food sources.

— Vann R. Newkirk II, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026
From Newt's family making first contact with a Facehugger to a wonderfully tense sentry gun sequence, Cameron's extra footage enhances a classic.

— Richard Edwards, Space.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of sentry

Noun

That is why millions of people now sleep with a ring, a watch or a smart bassinet nearby, quietly collecting sleep data all night long.

— Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026
For those who equate sport watches with rubber straps, the Hermès Cut is a nice entry point.

— Daisy Shaw-Ellis, Vogue, 31 July 2026

Definition of watch

Browse Nearby Words

firings

firing squad

firing squads

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Firing squad.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/firing%20squad. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of firing squad

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

invidious

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Aug. 7

How long is a jiffy?

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Games & Quizzes