firing (up)

verb

Definition of firing (up)next
present participle of fire (up)
as in provoking
to rouse to strong feeling or action the dynamic speaker fired up the audience as no one had previously done

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for firing (up)
  1. provoking
  2. encouraging
  3. stimulating
  4. stirring
Verb
  • By the mid-nineteenth century, the it-narrative began to interest authors invested less in provoking excitement than in guiding the moral development of their readers.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Ukraine’s recent strikes into Russia also have exposed weaknesses in Russia’s air defenses, which could prompt Putin to think twice about provoking a retaliatory attack.
    — Emma Burrows, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of provoking
Verb
  • Historically, the United States has sent mixed messages to Europeans, encouraging them to step up but then scolding them for seeking autonomy.
    — JENNIFER KAVANAGH, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The scarcity itself became part of the appeal, encouraging moviegoers to attend early, return for later editions and share the collectibles online.
    — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of encouraging
Verb
  • While stimulating a fresh sense of observation, Selwyn also wanted to counter some myths about museums.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 24 Aug. 2026
  • But now this new syndrome, Alpha-gal syndrome, is stimulating communities to say, 'Enough is enough.
    — David Pogue, CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of stimulating
Verb
  • Simmer the pasta in the sauce, gently stirring and tossing occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Add tomato paste; cook, stirring often, until darkened in color, 2 to 4 minutes.
    — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of stirring
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.

Browse Nearby Words

firing squads
firing (up)
firkin
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Firing (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/firing%20%28up%29. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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