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 Jayhawks even went eight minutes without scoring to open the second half, missing 16 shots in a row. Kansas City Star, 14 Mar. 2026 That was before any shots were fired. Arkansas Online, 14 Mar. 2026 Lord and Miller, working with the cinematographer Greig Fraser, avoid the conventional visual language of the prestige space epic, with its sterile surfaces and zero-gravity tracking shots. Justin Chang, New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2026 But Beiswenger’s bill would have applied to all vaccines, not just COVID shots. Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 13 Mar. 2026 Bailee Broward also made some outside shots, giving the Cardinals unstoppable inside-outside options. Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026 Junior Noah Francois, however, sank a free throw with 13 seconds remaining, and three desperate shots by Victory Christian came up empty. Gary Curreri, Sun Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2026 Rori Harmon, who had made 2 3-pointers in her last 16 games, has made two deep shots in this frame. Danny Davis, Austin American Statesman, 7 Mar. 2026 Thompson led the Mavericks in his first game back from a right adductor contusion and finished with 24 points with a season-high seven 3-pointers off the bench, while Middleton made several clutch shots and finished with 19 points and seven assists. Mike Curtis, Dallas Morning News, 6 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shots
Noun
  • Since the mass firings began, former CDC worker and their supporters have protested every Tuesday during the afternoon rush hour outside the CDC's main entrance.
    Jess Mador, NPR, 13 Mar. 2026
  • But the recent firings of the investigators and potential exposure to Iran has members of Congress worried.
    Leo Schwartz, Fortune, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The freshman hit one-of-two attempts, giving the Spartans a 41-39 lead.
    Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Her furious attempts to extricate herself from Ramirez ended with her smacking her head on the parking lot asphalt and Ramirez hitting her in the right eye, according to the arrest report.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 9 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • While reading the manga, Godoy would take photos of Luffy’s wildest faces to try to include them in his performance.
    Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Ramirez also shared a few photos of himself posing with Alba at the time, including two cozy selfies that showed Alba throwing her arm around Ramirez as the pair beamed for the camera.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 9 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Jeremy Swayman was excellent, making 25 saves in regulation and overtime and then all nine Capital shooters in the skills competition to complete the season sweep over the Caps.
    Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 14 Mar. 2026
  • On a night when none of UCLA’s shooters managed to find a consistent rhythm, Dent did most of his best work in the margins.
    Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The inclusive coffee shop serves traditional sips like lattes and cappuccinos as part its larger mission to offer employment to individuals with disabilities.
    Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Drink a full cup in small sips.
    Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 4 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The original clip got its fair share of engagement and guesses back in December, and in late February, comedians Chris Fleming and Caleb Hearon also briefly discussed it on Hearon’s podcast, So True.
    Megh Wright, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2026
  • In any close bond, clear words help both sides understand needs and reduce defensive guesses, especially when choices feel time-sensitive.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 23 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Down the road, the synergistic opportunities are potentially more significant for building the profile of both brands, from summer festivals to new retail channels, Magliaro said.
    Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026
  • The donation was made to the Foundation for New Education Initiatives, a nonprofit organization Carvalho founded to improve learning opportunities for students from lower-income families.
    Teresa Liu, Daily News, 11 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • El Dorado made 16 of its 48 shots from the floor and was 11 for 29 on 3-point tries.
    Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 11 Mar. 2026
  • What Adebayo did was remarkable in its own right, a (mostly) necessary feat that helped the Heat (37-29) win their sixth consecutive game (and 10th in 13 tries) while missing three of their top four scorers (Norman Powell, Tyler Herro and Andrew Wiggins).
    Sam Amick, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Shots.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shots. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.

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