GUNSHOTS Synonyms: 19 Similar and Opposite Words

gunshots

noun

plural of gunshot

as in missiles

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Dissimilar Words

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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 gunshots Her husband died from multiple gunshots, and the two children died from a single gunshot, the release says. — Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 21 Aug. 2025 Moments later, a resident’s surveillance system recorded four rapid gunshots followed by three rapid gunshots and a final gunshot. — Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 19 Aug. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gunshots

Noun

That meeting occurred after Russian missiles and drones struck at least four Ukrainian regions overnight, strikes that officials said killed five people.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Sep. 2026
Given the difficulty of defending against drones, missiles, and bombs, large-scale attacks on critical infrastructure would likely have succeeded and invited reprisals in kind, leaving everyone worse off.

— RICHARD HAASS, Foreign Affairs, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of missiles

Noun

The stunning saloon offers up a number of bespoke details inspired by its pint-sized namesake, some of which were made from abalone shells.

— Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 18 Sep. 2026
Thunder and lightning go off like artillery shells in every direction and the temperature can drop 30 degrees in seconds.

— Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of shells

Noun

Police said the rounds appeared to be the same color and caliber as the casings found at the shooting scene.

— Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2026
Gibbs fired at least eight rounds into the car, striking the driver four times and the front passenger in the cheek, the DA’s Office said.

— Michael McGough, Sacbee.com, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of rounds

Noun

With the light load of powder that was behind them, these slugs couldn’t possibly have killed the tigress unless an extremely lucky shot had put them into a vital area at very close range.

— Leslie E. Tassell, Outdoor Life, 27 Aug. 2026
Remember to bury the container deep enough to let the slugs in and out.

— Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of slugs

Noun

So if a show’s story engine can’t support itself when the bullets aren’t flying, the vehicle tends to break down sooner rather than later.

— Ben Travers, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2026
Two people were killed after protestors exchanged gunfire with federal officers, one of the bullets taking up permanent residence in the Lyceum doorframe.

— Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of bullets

Browse Nearby Words

gunshot

gunshots

gun-shy

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Style

“Gunshots.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gunshots. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of gunshots

noun

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