firepower

noun

fire·​pow·​er ˈfī(-ə)r-ˌpau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce firepower (audio)
Synonyms of firepowernext
1
a
: the capacity (as of a military unit) to deliver effective fire on a target
b
: effective fire
2
a
: effective power or force
intellectual firepower
b
: the scoring ability of a team or player

Synonyms of firepower

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Examples of firepower in a Sentence

The army didn't have the firepower to defeat the invaders. right now the President doesn't have the political firepower to push his programs through Congress
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Raising military pay and expanding firepower were positive measures, but whether Tinubu maintains the political energy needed to fully implement structural changes beyond this election season remains to be seen, Barnett said. — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 31 Aug. 2026 These zones now extend beyond the effective range of Russian conventional firepower. — Vikram Mittal, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 With the amount of firepower that Geneva graduated from last year’s lineup, senior forward Gabe Barwiolek knew the burden to score was going to fall upon his shoulders. — Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 Petrino doesn’t have the same firepower with the Tar Heels, but sophomore running back Demon June and junior wide receiver Jordan Shipp are capable playmakers whom Petrino can work with. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for firepower

Word History

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of firepower was in 1871

Rhymes for firepower

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Browse Nearby Words

firepot
firepower
fire prevention
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Cite this Entry

“Firepower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/firepower. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

firepower

noun
fire·​pow·​er -ˌpau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce firepower (audio)
: the ability to deliver gunfire or warheads on a target
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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