Synonyms for

Gunner

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

Definition

a person who operates a machine gun or cannon

Synonyms & similar words

machinegunner artilleryman cannoneer artilleryman canoneer marksman sharpshooter sniper shooter rifleman gunman musketeer pistolero bombardier cannonier mortarman rocketman torpedoman firefighter fireman pyrotechnic spark

Synonyms by register

Formal

artilleryman cannoneer bombardier

Informal

shooter marksman sharpshooter

Literary

fire-wielder ballistician

Antonyms

civilian peacemaker noncombatant pacifist defender guard

Common collocations

  • gunner's mate
  • gunner's quadrant
  • gunner's rule
  • gunner's sight
  • gunner's scope
  • gunner's pouch
  • gunner's belt
  • gunner's station

Word family

noun gunner
verb gun

Usage note

A gunner specifically refers to someone who operates a gun, especially artillery or a mounted weapon. It is not typically used for someone who shoots a rifle or handgun, for which 'shooter' or 'marksman' might be more appropriate.

Example sentences

  1. The gunner fired his machine gun and hit the target.
  2. The cannon gunner loaded the cannon with ammunition.
  3. The sharpshooter gunner aimed at the bullseye.
  4. The marksman gunner shot the clay pigeon.
  5. The musketeer gunner fired his musket at the opposing army.

Quotes

  • I was a gunner's mate, and I was in a lot of heavy combat because I was on the front lines of Vietnam.
  • The gunner's mate came up and started breaking the locks on the ammunition.
  • I was a gunner on a B-17 bomber in World War II, and I flew 35 missions over Germany.

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words