Synonyms for

Gunfire

Verb / ˈgʌˌnfaɪɜ: / / ˈgʌˌnfaɪr / Another word for gunfire — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

the discharge of a gun or firearm

Synonyms & similar words

gunshot shooting firing gunshots blasting bombardment cannonade cracking bursting explosion detonation fire volley bang report salvo shot sniping

Synonyms by register

Formal

fusillade bombardment volley

Informal

shooting bang-bang pop-pop

Literary

staccato thunder drumfire

Antonyms

peace silence quiet calm stillness truce

Common collocations

  • heavy gunfire
  • exchange of gunfire
  • cease gunfire
  • return gunfire
  • random gunfire
  • sustained gunfire
  • burst of gunfire

Word family

noun gunfire
verb fire
adjective armed
adverb armed

Usage note

Gunfire refers specifically to the sound or act of guns being fired. It is often used in contexts of conflict or danger.

Example sentences

  1. The soldiers heard gunfire in the distance and prepared for battle.
  2. The sound of gunfire made the townspeople run for cover.
  3. The police officer returned gunfire in self-defense.
  4. The hunters listened for the sound of gunfire to track the deer.
  5. The movie scene had a lot of gunfire and explosions.

Quotes

  • "I heard gunfire in the street. I saw people running and I ran too." - Malala Yousafzai
  • "The gunfire around us makes it hard to hear. But the human voice is different from other sounds. It can be heard over noises that bury everything else." - Khaled Hosseini
  • "Without music, life would be a mistake. Without gunfire, life would be boring." - Eduardo Galeano

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