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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in shooters
a person skilled in shooting at a target
a soldier who's an excellent shot with a rifle
Synonyms & Similar Words
5
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?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shots
Three law enforcement experts told CNN the pattern of shots could be indicative of contagious fire, a term used to describe when an officer fires a weapon in response to the sound of another officer’s gunfire.
—
Yahya Abou-Ghazala, CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026
Close-range finishing The Bulls relied heavily on their 3-point shooting in Thursday’s loss as shots failed to fall inside the arc.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
Instead, hospitals allow immigration officers to call the shots on how much — if any — contact is allowed, which can deprive patients of their constitutional right to seek legal advice and leave them vulnerable to abuse, attorneys said.
—Claudia Boyd-Barrett, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026
Melania takes pains to include many shots of her and Donald acting like a loving couple, which threatens to take the film out of the realm of nonfiction.
—Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 30 Jan. 2026
Yes, they were undone by one uncharacteristic error by Martin Zubimendi and two brilliant long-range shots in the defeat against United, but what really stuck out on second viewing was the way their approach changed shortly after taking the lead in the 29th minute.
—Oliver Kay, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026
Minnesota had just three shots in the first period and scored on two.
—CBS News, 30 Jan. 2026
That would seem to include the WHO group that assesses what flu strains are circulating and makes critical decisions about updating flu shots.
—Mike Stobbe, Arkansas Online, 24 Jan. 2026
The Celtics prevailed despite being outscored 29-10 at the free-throw line — Brooklyn attempted 34 foul shots to Boston’s 16 — and finishing on the wrong end of a 58-41 rebounding margin.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 24 Jan. 2026
Yahya Abou-Ghazala, CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026
Close-range finishing The Bulls relied heavily on their 3-point shooting in Thursday’s loss as shots failed to fall inside the arc.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
Instead, hospitals allow immigration officers to call the shots on how much — if any — contact is allowed, which can deprive patients of their constitutional right to seek legal advice and leave them vulnerable to abuse, attorneys said.
—Claudia Boyd-Barrett, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026
Melania takes pains to include many shots of her and Donald acting like a loving couple, which threatens to take the film out of the realm of nonfiction.
—Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 30 Jan. 2026
Yes, they were undone by one uncharacteristic error by Martin Zubimendi and two brilliant long-range shots in the defeat against United, but what really stuck out on second viewing was the way their approach changed shortly after taking the lead in the 29th minute.
—Oliver Kay, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026
Minnesota had just three shots in the first period and scored on two.
—CBS News, 30 Jan. 2026
That would seem to include the WHO group that assesses what flu strains are circulating and makes critical decisions about updating flu shots.
—Mike Stobbe, Arkansas Online, 24 Jan. 2026
The Celtics prevailed despite being outscored 29-10 at the free-throw line — Brooklyn attempted 34 foul shots to Boston’s 16 — and finishing on the wrong end of a 58-41 rebounding margin.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 24 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shots
Noun
-
Do mass firings create an atmosphere of fear that impacts voting?—
Anne Applebaum,
The Atlantic,
30 Jan. 2026
-
None of these coaches’ interviews, updates and hirings or firings happen in a vacuum.—
Pat Leonard,
New York Daily News,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Santos let 13 shot attempts fly, including 1-of-6 from behind the arc.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Bane specifically has seen a decrease in long-range accuracy and number of open attempts as well, something Carter mentioned.—
Jason Beede,
The Orlando Sentinel,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Do not get out of your vehicle or approach to take photos, and never walk alone in the surrounding area.—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Across the street, crime scene investigators took photos of a silver Chevy car, which had at least one bullet hole in its front windshield.—
Abby Dodge,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The final project aims to blend elements from space sims, first-person shooters, MMOs, and more into a massive amalgamation set in a huge, persistent universe.—
Alan Bradley,
Space.com,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Elite bumper players like Brayden Point and Leon Draisaitl are just as dangerous as shooters as passers.—
Fluto Shinzawa,
New York Times,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Take two large sips from the beer, and pour the rest into the pot.—
The Know,
Denver Post,
24 Jan. 2026
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Notes of tea aren’t totally new in the perfume world; Early adopters of the trend include Guerlain's Aqua Allegoria and Elizabeth Arden's White Tea range, but the latest iterations borrow from modern sips ranging from chai to matcha, and everything in between.—
Karina Hoshikawa,
Refinery29,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Noting her hesitancy, Benedict’s character in the book guesses that Sophie is illegitimate.—
Savannah Walsh,
Vanity Fair,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Queen Corgi also took off her mask before the judges could lock in final guesses.—
Bebe Hodges,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Parker Management’s goal with the acquisition is to unlock new opportunities for creators to build sustainable, thriving businesses across multiple platforms.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
3 Feb. 2026
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Some tech stocks are also taking a pause as investors look for opportunities in other sectors, according to Daniel Skelly, head of Morgan Stanley’s wealth management market research and strategy team.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
His scoring has dipped since conference play began, with only three double-digit games in eight tries.—
Tony Catalina,
Austin American Statesman,
30 Jan. 2026
-
All 22 point-after-touchdown tries made.—
Dan Wiederer,
New York Times,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shots.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shots. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
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