as in shooting
to strike with a missile from a gun
traded stories of the Wild West, when outlaws gunned men down in broad daylight and in cold blood
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Recent Examples of gunning
Cirie and Ozzy are gunning for Jenna, who had Cirie’s name in her mouth while her new sneakers weren’t even sandy yet.
—
Brian Moylan, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2026
At least a third of the league is gunning for favorable lottery position in a draft that features Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, Cam Boozer and a series of talented guards as consolation prizes.
—Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2026
But Lardis was gunning for a bigger prize.
—Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026
Safe to say that the Jazz aren’t exactly gunning for a playoff spot either.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 9 Feb. 2026
Running and gunning The Kings came out running, gunning and rebounding while the Cavaliers struggled to find a rhythm with Harden joining the starting lineup.
—Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 8 Feb. 2026
He is accused of gunning the CEO down outside a Midtown hotel, setting off a manhunt spanning several states.
—Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026
Is Leonardo DiCaprio gunning for our hearts and memes?
—Assistant Editor, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2026
Matthew Tkachuk, Auston Matthews and other Team USA stars will be gunning for some revenge along with a gold medal.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 31 Dec. 2025
Brian Moylan, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2026
At least a third of the league is gunning for favorable lottery position in a draft that features Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, Cam Boozer and a series of talented guards as consolation prizes.
—Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2026
But Lardis was gunning for a bigger prize.
—Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026
Safe to say that the Jazz aren’t exactly gunning for a playoff spot either.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 9 Feb. 2026
Running and gunning The Kings came out running, gunning and rebounding while the Cavaliers struggled to find a rhythm with Harden joining the starting lineup.
—Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 8 Feb. 2026
He is accused of gunning the CEO down outside a Midtown hotel, setting off a manhunt spanning several states.
—Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026
Is Leonardo DiCaprio gunning for our hearts and memes?
—Assistant Editor, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2026
Matthew Tkachuk, Auston Matthews and other Team USA stars will be gunning for some revenge along with a gold medal.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 31 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gunning
Verb
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White scored 18 first-half points, and Queta had 10, helping the Celtics withstand both Brown’s absence and Pritchard’s off shooting night.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
25 Feb. 2026
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Weapons covered by the law would only be allowed in homes and on shooting ranges.—
Alex Derosier,
Twin Cities,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Scientists still debate what started that eruption, and whether it was triggered by drilling for natural gas, or by an earthquake.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
27 Feb. 2026
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Offshore drilling infrastructure and industrial activity threatens access and, with it, our national security and the steady economic engine these bases provide to local communities.—
Shane Weddle,
The Orlando Sentinel,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
She would not be opposed to popping into the H Mart across the street, either.—
Kathryn VanArendonk,
Vulture,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Dashcam footage from the patrol car shows the man popping a wheelie on Folsom Street near Regent Avenue.—
Christa Swanson,
CBS News,
27 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gunning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gunning. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.
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