ax 1 of 2

variants or axe
as in dismissal
the termination of the employment of an employee or a work force often temporarily the company was hemorrhaging money, so 700 employees would soon be given the ax

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

ax

2 of 2

verb

variants or axe

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 ax
Noun
In any case, the debate was settled in Stalin’s favor, not through reasoned debate but via an ice axe buried in Trotsky’s skull by an assassin in 1940. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2025 Just like previous iteration, the V3 takes the form of an axe that measures 16 inches (41 cm) tall from the knob (base of the handle) to the eye up top. New Atlas, 25 July 2025
Verb
If Booster Gold is taken to series, HBO Max will resume a relationship with Jenkins, whose quirky pirate romcom Our Flag Means Death was axed after two seasons in Jan 2024, subsequently failing to find another home. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 23 July 2025 Ultimately, the Senate axed that provision from the final version of the Big, Beautiful Bill, which meant states continued to carry the authority to propose and codify AI laws that serve their immediate needs. Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 23 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for ax
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ax
Noun
  • Potter had just been appointed after Julen Lopetegui’s disruptive dismissal and West Ham did win at Manchester United and Ipswich Town in the last three games to bring some light to the season’s end.
    Michael Walker, New York Times, 17 Aug. 2025
  • Its current trustees have expressed hope that the La Jolla Town Council can move on peacefully from its recent turmoil involving a series of executive actions, member dismissals, resignations and impassioned public comments.
    Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The theory is that Favre took a dive so that New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan could sack him and break Gastineau’s record.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Wilson led the Dolphins to touchdowns on both his drives after replacing Tagovailoa for the second series of a 24-24 tie with Chicago last week, and he was sacked four times.
    Jack Magruder, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The budget process hasn’t even started, and Johnson already has ruled out any concessions from unionized city workers like layoffs or furloughs to balance next year’s books.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 31 July 2025
  • The furloughs go into effect on Nov. 1, the U.S. pioneer of no-frills travel confirmed in a statement to USA TODAY Monday, July 28, adding that the decision will better support its flight staffing schedule.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 29 July 2025
Verb
  • The nurse was later fired, and Heritage Square was required to revamp its assault prevention protocols.
    Tamia Fowlkes, jsonline.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Carano was fired from The Mandalorian after making a series of controversial posts on social media in 2021.
    Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • When flushing internal pipes, aerators should be removed first (if applicable), prior to flushing.
    Jake Allen, IndyStar, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Kennedy has removed the 17 experts on the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, replacing them with an anti-vaccine cadre of seven mostly unqualified individuals.
    Judy Stone, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Boston Magazine reported that during her training she was ultimately dismissed for administering opiates without a doctor’s order and leaving her shift early.
    Christina Coulter, People.com, 16 Aug. 2025
  • At Hall's request, the case was dismissed without prejudice.
    Evan Mealins, The Tennessean, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Sophia and her husband ultimately made the difficult decision to terminate the pregnancy based on the many medical variables at hand.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 17 Aug. 2025
  • She was terminated on the same day as two other investigators, including Peter Brake, who had also raised complaints about Reich.
    Chris Quintana, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Blockbusters are released in five or six languages at once.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • The singer went on to release eight more albums during a career, jumping from reggae, to traditional Irish songs and fairly straight-ahead pop.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 14 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ax.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ax. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

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