Synonyms for

Cannon

Verb / ˈkænʌn / Another word for cannon — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

a large gun that fires heavy metal balls

Synonyms & similar words

shank carom gun artillery howitzer mortar bombard catapult launcher missile projectile weapon armament ordnance firearm rifle pistol revolver shooter handgun shotgun musket

Synonyms by register

Formal

artillery piece ordnance gun weapon

Informal

big gun boomstick shooter

Literary

culverin bombard falconet

Antonyms

pea shooter water pistol toy gun slingshot popgun

Common collocations

  • fire a cannon
  • cannon ball
  • cannon fire
  • naval cannon
  • field cannon
  • cannon barrel
  • cannonade
  • cannon smoke

Word family

noun cannon
verb cannon

Usage note

While 'cannon' can refer to a large gun, it is also used informally to mean a very important or influential person. Be mindful of the context to avoid confusion.

Example sentences

  1. The cannon was so loud that it scared the birds away.
  2. The castle walls were protected by several cannons.
  3. The ship had a cannon on its deck.
  4. The museum has a collection of antique cannons.
  5. The soldiers loaded the cannon with gunpowder and a metal ball.

Quotes

  • "War is cruelty. There is no use trying to reform it. The crueler it is, the sooner it will be over." - William Tecumseh Sherman
  • "I have never advocated war except as a means of peace." - Ulysses S. Grant
  • "I have seen the cannon's flash and heard the roar of battle..." - Robert E. Lee

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