axes

[ak-seez] / ˈæk siz /

NOUN

large cutting tool

Synonyms

WEAK

adz chopper hatchet tomahawk

NOUN

point around which something revolves

Synonyms

STRONG

arbor axle hinge pivot pole shaft spindle stalk stem support

WEAK

turning point

VERB

cut with large blade

Synonyms

WEAK

chop cut cut down fell hew

Antonyms

WEAK

hire

VERB

dismiss from service

Synonyms

WEAK

boot bounce can cancel cut back discharge dispense with eliminate fire get rid of give a pink slip give the boot kick out lay off remove sack terminate throw out

Antonyms

WEAK

hire

VERB

dismiss

Synonyms

STRONG

can cleaver discharge fire hatchet poll sack tomahawk

Antonyms

STRONG

employ hire

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“Amazon axes 16,000 jobs as it pushes AI and efficiency,” Reuters announced last week.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 4, 2026

Climbers venturing along the Devil's Backbone trail are advised to carry crampons and ice axes.

From BBC • Dec. 31, 2025

But there wasn’t much benefit in tracking sales of shovels, pick axes, and sifting pans in order to validate the bull case for the California Gold Rush.

From Barron's • Nov. 20, 2025

But Neil and the chrome hearts would also swap their axes for acoustic guitars.

From Salon • Aug. 19, 2025

Invigorated by their plan, the Baudelaire orphans swung their axes at an amazing speed, and soon enough they were done chopping firewood and ready to go to the bank.

From "The Bad Beginning" by Lemony Snicket