guns 1 of 2

Definition of gunsnext
plural of gun
as in weapons
large firearms (as cannons or rockets) the field commander called for the big guns to be deployed for the full-scale assault

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

guns

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of gun

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 guns
Noun
Authorities noted that Joyce is a felon with a criminal history that includes state convictions for drug, larceny and burglary charges, which disqualify him from having guns or ammunition. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2026 Police did not indicate whether the men were shooting at each other or were shot by a third party, but police did say two guns were recovered. Adam Harrington, CBS News, 14 May 2026 Multiple guns were allegedly found at Armenta-Lagunas’ apartment, the Keizer Police Department said. Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2026 Turner does not suddenly emerge like Clint Eastwood with guns blazing. Paul Fitzgerald, Rolling Stone, 14 May 2026 This generally means muzzleloaders that use black powder or a black powder substitute, though some early cartridge guns are included. Allen G. Breed, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026 The force also may be used to help quell civil disturbances and, if necessary, be armed with guns. Jim Turner, Sun Sentinel, 13 May 2026 One Raffensperger television advertisement portrays Jones and Jackson firing guns wildly into the air while Raffensperger takes careful aim at targets one by one. ABC News, 13 May 2026 Sporting massive guns and thick armor, whoever had the biggest had, in theory, the most control of the seas. Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 7 May 2026
Verb
Both guns the suspect used in the shooting were acquired legally in San Antonio in 2017, Davis said. Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 3 Mar. 2026 The military seemingly guns her down during a confrontation with Hopper and Eleven. Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Jan. 2026 One dog manages to escape the store, but Noem quickly catches up to it and brutally guns it down. Jack Dunn, Variety, 12 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guns
Noun
  • On top of pocket knives, other sharp items that could be used as weapons, like corkscrews, Swiss Army knives, and box cutters, are not allowed through TSA.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 17 May 2026
  • The change would not end the sale of weapons to Israel, such as the F-35s and missile defense systems that give it a military edge over regional adversaries.
    David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 16 May 2026
Verb
  • But like Gilgeous-Alexander, Wagler gets to the free throw line at a high rate, has a stellar assist-turnover ratio, and shoots the ball well with even more 3-point volume than Gilgeous-Alexander had.
    Law Murray, New York Times, 11 May 2026
  • Her outside-looking in remembrances (Romvari shoots scenes sometimes from the perspective of looking through a window) elliptically convey much – parental anguish about what would be the best call to action for the entire family, not the upheaval felt within the family.
    Randy Myers, Mercury News, 7 May 2026
Noun
  • Ukrainian authorities said Monday that Russian drones, bombs and artillery shelling struck civilian areas of the northeastern Kharkiv and southern Kherson regions, killing at least two people and wounding seven others, including a 14-year-old boy.
    ABC News, ABC News, 11 May 2026
  • The two sides have been pummelling each other with missiles, drones and artillery, with no end to the war in sight.
    Guy Faulconbridge, USA Today, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • By competition, Tolbert is referring to all the on-field, and off-field drills the Dolphins have been doing this offseason, which get so competitive players routinely request to see the film because a daily winner is declared, and the leader is tracked.
    Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 12 May 2026
  • If the samples test positive, then the company drills to validate the discovery, secures rights to the site, and sells the rights off to a mining company.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 8 May 2026
Noun
  • On terra firma, most of the available supply of helium-3 comes as a by-product of nuclear weaponry via the radioactive decay of tritium, a rare isotope of hydrogen that boosts the power of thermonuclear bombs.
    Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 14 May 2026
  • Rams-Broncos should be a dynamic showcase of offensive weaponry, and this Chargers Week 16 showcase could shift the entire tide on divisional standings.
    Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 13 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Guns.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guns. Accessed 18 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on guns

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster