shot 1 of 2

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as in firing
a directed propelling of a missile by a firearm or artillery piece cannon operators often had to use several shots to figure out the range of their targets

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as in photo
a picture created from an image recorded on a light-sensitive surface by a camera took a shot of his family for the scrapbook

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as in shooter
a person skilled in shooting at a target a soldier who's an excellent shot with a rifle

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as in sip
the portion of a serving of a beverage that is swallowed at one time drank a shot of whisky

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as in guess
an opinion or judgment based on little or no evidence I have no idea what's different about you, but I'll take a shot: you cut your hair?

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as in opportunity
a favorable combination of circumstances, time, and place we have a real shot at getting into the championship if we win this next match

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shot

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verb

past tense of shoot
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as in blasted
to cause a weapon to release a missile with great force soldiers train extensively to learn to shoot accurately and quickly

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as in photographed
to take a photograph of shooting the lakeside scene while the light lasted

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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 shot
Noun
But the singles by Happ that were hit not particularly hard to left field — the first of them low enough that Machado would have had a shot at grabbing it had he not been shifted far to the right against the switch hitter batting from the left side — started those rallies. Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2025 Even so, plenty of Southerners have been eager to give it a shot. Rick Rojas, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
Verb
Both films were shot back to back, so the same top-notch storytelling and able performances are present. Ars Technica, 23 Dec. 2024 Shoutout to the 38 Republicans who shot the bill down in the House while being threatened & blackmailed. Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 23 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for shot
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shot
Noun
  • The two decisions represent a significant setback for the states, the unions and the civic organizations that had sued the government in an effort to block the summary firings of more than 24,000 federal workers.
    Andrea Hsu, NPR, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Ken Russell, who is also running for mayor, was one of the two remaining commissioners to vote against his firing.
    Tess Riski, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The Wild finally gained possession, worked it up the wall and Ryan Hartman’s low-speed attempt at an exit was picked off by Dobson and his shot was tipped past Filip Gustavsson by Casey Cizikas 36 seconds after Zuccarello’s goal.
    Michael Russo, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Black and brown Californians angered at attempts to erase history, legacy and achievement under pretense of eliminating diversity and equity initiatives.
    Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Newsweek could not independently verify the photos' authenticity.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Mannion, who is also a PNW alumna, hoped her photos and story would inspire other young women.
    Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • At a panel following a finale watch party here, Wood was teary, taking sips of water.
    Charles Trepany, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Jess grabs a glass of Champagne off the tray of a passing waiter and takes a long sip.
    Rachel Raposas, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Analysts have been putting together their best guesses on the reasons for the high tariffs and have largely come up empty—other than the trade deficit itself.
    Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 7 Apr. 2025
  • At this point, your guess regarding which countries will fare better is as good as mine.
    David Rae, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • And on Wednesday, the Mets and Rangers provided opportunities to see their respective offerings in a span of about six hours.
    Larry Fleisher, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The contest, which dates back to 1960, offers golf pros the opportunity to participate in a lighthearted session shortly before the real competition tees off.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In England, experts unearthed eight stone balls fired from catapults during Henry III’s siege of Kenilworth Castle in 1266.
    Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Dec. 2024
  • The Bears offense struggled under coordinator Shane Waldron, so he was fired.
    Kevin Fishbain, The Athletic, 27 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • In Grand Junction, the new regime cast a fresh eye on the rare fish.
    Luke Cyphers, Sportico.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The eight-episode project also has been quietly casting, with relative newcomer Summer H. Howell (Hunter Hunter) in negotiations for the title character, Carrie White, and Siena Agudong (Resident Evil) set as her nemesis, Sue Snell.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Shot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shot. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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