shots

Definition of shotsnext
plural of shot
1
as in firings
a directed propelling of a missile by a firearm or artillery piece cannon operators often had to use several shots to figure out the range of their targets

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2
3
as in photos
a picture created from an image recorded on a light-sensitive surface by a camera took a shot of his family for the scrapbook

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4
as in shooters
a person skilled in shooting at a target a soldier who's an excellent shot with a rifle

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5
as in sips
the portion of a serving of a beverage that is swallowed at one time drank a shot of whisky

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6
as in guesses
an opinion or judgment based on little or no evidence I have no idea what's different about you, but I'll take a shot: you cut your hair?

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7
as in opportunities
a favorable combination of circumstances, time, and place we have a real shot at getting into the championship if we win this next match

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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 shots The conditions were ideal and scores reflected that on the second day of the 100th edition of a tournament that is still up for grabs, with 22 players within nine shots of the lead. Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2026 Jones warmed into his offense in the third quarter and finished with 12 points, but Smith and Giddey struggled to connect on their shots. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026 But the movie opens with the discovery that his young son, Sam, has type 1 diabetes; this means that the kid is going to have a life of insulin shots and general caution. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 20 Feb. 2026 The program model gave priority to keeping people on their medications, many of which are monthly shots to guard against psychosis. Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 20 Feb. 2026 Towns scored just two points and took only three shots in the first half alone before doing most of his damage in the third quarter. Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 20 Feb. 2026 The Underground Bunker published SFW screen shots from Dando’s exchanges with Dawn. Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 13 Feb. 2026 The show’s greatest strength was never just the jump scares or the hidden ghosts tucked into background shots. Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026 Setting aside the gawking nature of certain style choices (the warped, swiveling, 360-degree shots used when someone starts talking about particularly demented ideas are nauseating on multiple levels), the series too closely mirrors its subjects’ insularity. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 13 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shots
Noun
  • Some of that information isn’t available to the public — firings and other disciplinary actions by employers, for instance, are confidential.
    Amber Gaudet Updated February 20, Charlotte Observer, 20 Feb. 2026
  • The Supreme Court ruling comes despite a series of short-term wins on the court’s emergency docket that have allowed Trump to push ahead with extraordinary flexes of executive power on issues ranging from high-profile firings to major federal funding cuts.
    Lindsay Whitehurst, Fortune, 20 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Orbán has frequently threatened to scuttle the bloc’s efforts to sanction Moscow over its invasion, and has decried attempts to hit Russia’s energy revenues that help finance the war.
    Justin Spike, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026
  • This absorbing book documents attempts by activists who are part of the Antifa movement to expose and sabotage far-right-wing groups.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The photos and video of the masked person on Guthrie’s doorstep — released by the FBI on February 10 — were taken on two different days, rather than just on February 1, when authorities believe she was abducted, the source said.
    Randi Kaye, CNN Money, 24 Feb. 2026
  • The post included photos of the family with their dogs, Katie lying in blankets as both Ellie and Emma snuggle her, and the couple holding a sonogram photo.
    Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 23 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • For astro shooters, this is unlikely to be a major drawback, and for other shooters, there's always another way to use a filter, with a bit of creativity or using an alternative clamping system.
    Tantse Walter, Space.com, 18 Feb. 2026
  • The Lakers have two of the best long-range shooters in the NBA.
    Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 18 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Three outdoor dining venues are a bonus, Vintage 1901 is a delightful wine bar with small plates, and the Surfrider Cafe is a handy option for quick, healthy bites and sips.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Feb. 2026
  • Light snacks and sips are provided.
    Susan McDonald, The Providence Journal, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Traders poured in nearly $2 million taking guesses.
    Bobby Allyn, NPR, 17 Feb. 2026
  • This lets architects and engineers directly compare air-conditioning setups and control strategies early on, using real numbers rather than guesses.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 14 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Guests are invited to tour the oyster farm before a tasting menu at the O Bar, and there are plenty of other opportunities to sample these salty delicacies across the three other restaurants.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Feb. 2026
  • And, conversely, what new opportunities are emerging for Israel’s creative growth?
    Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Mizzou shot 38% in the opening half and hit six 3-pointers in 13 tries.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 19 Feb. 2026
  • Santa Margarita was 22 for 57 from the floor and 8 for 20 on 3-point tries.
    Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 18 Feb. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Shots.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shots. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.

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