axes

[ak-seez] / ˈæk siz /

NOUN

large cutting tool

Synonyms

WEAK

adz chopper hatchet tomahawk

NOUN

point around which something revolves

Synonyms

STRONG

arbor axle hinge pivot pole shaft spindle stalk stem support

WEAK

turning point

VERB

cut with large blade

Synonyms

WEAK

chop cut cut down fell hew

Antonyms

WEAK

hire

VERB

dismiss from service

Synonyms

WEAK

boot bounce can cancel cut back discharge dispense with eliminate fire get rid of give a pink slip give the boot kick out lay off remove sack terminate throw out

Antonyms

WEAK

hire

VERB

dismiss

Synonyms

STRONG

can cleaver discharge fire hatchet poll sack tomahawk

Antonyms

STRONG

employ hire

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.

Hand axes were held in the palm rather than attached to a wooden handle.

From BBC • Jan. 30, 2026

He remembers using ice axes to climb in the winter when he was only 15.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 22, 2025

Up to several hundred trucks can be escorted at a time, but even with the military by their side, convoys are still frequently targeted, especially on two key southern axes.

From Barron's • Nov. 4, 2025

But Neil and the chrome hearts would also swap their axes for acoustic guitars.

From Salon • Aug. 19, 2025

The colorful fire retardant drew Akira’s eye to the front line of the fire, and she saw a group of tiny figures using axes and bulldozers to fight the blaze in the valley.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz