as in liquor
a distilled beverage that can make a person drunk
the bartender recommended a drink made with the local firewater, a potent gin
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of firewater
Nonalcoholic Alternatives Maybe the best route to avoid a hangover is to steer clear of firewater in the first place—easier said than done given the many social pressures around drinking.
—
Emily Peck, WIRED, 31 Dec. 2024
The response from a manager and a bartender toward dinner’s end was to introduce my posse to a Chinese spirit poised to make an appearance on the menu: clear firewater, potent as grappa, poured from a red-and-gold flask into thimble-size shot glasses.
—Tom Sietsema, Washington Post, 17 Mar. 2023
This cocktail is a tribute to Madonna, Queen of Pop, and features mezcal, passionfruit, firewater bitter, Amarena cheery, and a smoking cinnamon stick.
—Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 12 Sep. 2022
Poitín is often called Irish moonshine, but that implies the crude firewater associated with American Prohibition-era bootleggers.
—Liza Weisstuch, BostonGlobe.com, 23 Feb. 2021
The share price of Kweichow Moutai, China’s most exclusive brand of baijiu firewater, continues to soar, hinting at a thirst for luxury tipples among the super-rich.
—The Economist, 23 May 2020
The adult beverages are also pure Colombia, from the top-selling Aguila beer to the country’s official spirit, aguardiente (firewater!), to the sweetest-ever tropical margaritas.
—Allyson Reedy, The Know, 5 Sep. 2019
This version incorporates pineapple, allspice, falernum, spicy firewater, and a pinch of the superfood powder known as Blue Majik.
—Brittany Martin, Los Angeles Magazine, 19 Feb. 2018
Either is perfect with the grapefruit, lime, agave, firewater bitters and a Tajín-speckled cucumber slice.
—Michele Parente, sandiegouniontribune.com, 18 Oct. 2017
Emily Peck, WIRED, 31 Dec. 2024
The response from a manager and a bartender toward dinner’s end was to introduce my posse to a Chinese spirit poised to make an appearance on the menu: clear firewater, potent as grappa, poured from a red-and-gold flask into thimble-size shot glasses.
—Tom Sietsema, Washington Post, 17 Mar. 2023
This cocktail is a tribute to Madonna, Queen of Pop, and features mezcal, passionfruit, firewater bitter, Amarena cheery, and a smoking cinnamon stick.
—Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 12 Sep. 2022
Poitín is often called Irish moonshine, but that implies the crude firewater associated with American Prohibition-era bootleggers.
—Liza Weisstuch, BostonGlobe.com, 23 Feb. 2021
The share price of Kweichow Moutai, China’s most exclusive brand of baijiu firewater, continues to soar, hinting at a thirst for luxury tipples among the super-rich.
—The Economist, 23 May 2020
The adult beverages are also pure Colombia, from the top-selling Aguila beer to the country’s official spirit, aguardiente (firewater!), to the sweetest-ever tropical margaritas.
—Allyson Reedy, The Know, 5 Sep. 2019
This version incorporates pineapple, allspice, falernum, spicy firewater, and a pinch of the superfood powder known as Blue Majik.
—Brittany Martin, Los Angeles Magazine, 19 Feb. 2018
Either is perfect with the grapefruit, lime, agave, firewater bitters and a Tajín-speckled cucumber slice.
—Michele Parente, sandiegouniontribune.com, 18 Oct. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for firewater
Noun
-
There’s also a writing desk and a bar area, stocked with local beer and spirits, South African wines and my favorite, Kenya’s classic Amarula liquor.—
Flora Stubbs,
Travel + Leisure,
8 July 2025
-
DeAndre Williams, 22, was charged with first degree reckless homicide with use of a dangerous weapon for killing Romell Campbell, 41, at a West Capital Drive liquor store in September 2024.—
Ariela Lopez,
jsonline.com,
7 July 2025
Noun
-
With a strong focus on local produce and fish, meals can feel restrictive–no alcohol, for example, though there is pasta (this is Italy, after all!).—
Rona Berg,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
-
In addition to dams and litter, the busy area sees other off-limits behaviors, such as improper parking, alcohol use and graffiti, Chief Park Ranger James Brown said.—
Ruby Grisin,
The Courier-Journal,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
But still, the agave spirit is crucial to this melange of booze.—
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
11 July 2025
-
The ice cream shops present customers with a wide variety of flavors to choose from that use ingredients including booze, local strawberries, and more.—
Alessia Sandala,
The Tennessean,
2 July 2025
Noun
-
Chui and Pang danced, ate cake and toasted with bubbly drinks served in the clear cups typically used on planes.—
Zoey Lyttle,
People.com,
15 July 2025
-
The concept is for guests of all golf levels to enjoy three holes with a bit of socialization and great drinks.—
Paula Conway,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
Noun
-
The drink blends Gosling’s Black Seal and Amber rums, pineapple and lemon juices, fruit liqueurs, and falernum syrup.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
8 July 2025
-
Add pineapple juice, light rum, dark rum, lime juice, banana liqueur, blackberry liqueur, and grenadine to the shaker.—
Elizabeth Nelson,
Southern Living,
8 July 2025
Noun
-
Across the stage, Healy consumes seven chew bars, three gels, and four and a half energy drink bottles.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
12 July 2025
-
There are mounts for oxygen bottles and IVs as well as other equipment, which could include longboard, stokes litter or gurney; a seat for a professional to accompany a patient in-transit; and optional storage boxes.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
11 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Firewater.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/firewater. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share