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.

Hand axes were held in the palm rather than attached to a wooden handle.

From BBC • Jan. 30, 2026

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

According to the authors, “HTS’s trajectory has revolved around two principal axes: an ideological realignment toward the center, and a Thermidorian shift” away from the revolution.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 3, 2025

We fled late at night to stay at the house of a friend who lived nearby, returning the next morning for the included breakfast of Johnny Cakes shaped like axes.

From Salon • Oct. 31, 2025

The guards at the door crossed their axes in front of him.

From "Grendel" by John Gardner