Definitions

fire

[fahy^uhr] / faɪər /

NOUN

burning material

Synonyms

STRONGEST

blaze bonfire heat inferno

STRONG

campfire charring coals combustion conflagration devouring element embers flames flare glow hearth holocaust incandescence luminosity oxidation phlogiston pyre scintillation scorching searing sparks tinder warmth

WEAK

flame and smoke hot spot rapid oxidation sea of flames up in smoke

NOUN

barrage of projectiles

Synonyms

STRONGEST

attack bombardment bombing explosion shelling

STRONG

bombarding cannonade cannonading crossfire fusillade hail round salvo sniping volley

NOUN

animation, vigor

Synonyms

STRONGEST

force heat light

STRONG

ardor brio dash drive eagerness energy enthusiasm excitement exhilaration fervency fervor ginger gusto heartiness impetuosity intensity life liveliness luster passion pep punch radiance scintillation snap sparkle spirit splendor starch verve vim virtuosity vivacity zeal zing zip

WEAK

calenture red heat white heat élan

Antonyms

STRONG

apathy calm calmness coldness coolness discouragement dullness idleness inactivity indifference laziness lethargy lifelessness unenthusiasm

WEAK

spiritlessness

VERB

cause to burn

Synonyms

STRONG

enkindle ignite kindle light

WEAK

put a match to set ablaze set aflame set alight set fire to set on fire start a fire touch off

Antonyms

STRONG

extinguish put out

VERB

detonate or throw a weapon

Synonyms

STRONGEST

discharge explode hurl launch shoot

STRONG

cast eject fling heave loose pitch shell toss

WEAK

let off pull trigger set off touch off

VERB

excite, arouse

Synonyms

STRONG

animate electrify enliven enthuse exalt galvanize heighten incite inflame inform inspire inspirit intensify intoxicate irritate provoke quicken rouse stir thrill

WEAK

impassion

Antonyms

STRONG

bore calm deter discourage dissuade dull retard slow soothe weaken

VERB

dismiss from responsibility

Synonyms

STRONGEST

discharge drop expel oust sack terminate

STRONG

ax boot can eject

WEAK

give bum's rush give marching orders give one notice give pink slip give the sack hand walking papers kick out lay off let one go pink slip

Antonyms

STRONGEST

employ hire

STRONG

appoint hold on to keep retain

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.

Albania’s environmental regulations are now under fire from the EU, which has been considering whether to admit Albania for years.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

Despite several complaints, a fire at the site last summer, and a criminal investigation, the towering mountain of waste remains.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

In Mexico, where microfinance lenders have come under fire for charging effective annual interest rates above 400%, a popular lender, Consejo de Asistencia al Microemprendedor, went into liquidation last year.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

Both sides have since exchanged intermittent fire, without returning to full-scale hostilities.

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

He wouldn’t come near us, but he wanted by the fire.

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck

Vocabulary lists containing fire

"Fire and Ice"

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

fire

Example Sentences

Related Words

Vocabulary lists containing fire

"Fire and Ice"