shots

Definition of shotsnext
plural of shot
1
as in firings
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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2
3
as in photos
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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4
as in shooters
a person skilled in shooting at a target a soldier who's an excellent shot with a rifle

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5
as in sips
the portion of a serving of a beverage that is swallowed at one time drank a shot of whisky

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6
as in guesses
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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7
as in opportunities
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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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 shots Lardis also participated in the accuracy-shooting event Tuesday, in which four targets were placed on the corners of the net and the All-Stars had to hit them in the fewest amount of shots. Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026 Those kinds of intimate connections — along with their incredible skills, trick shots and fun-loving theatrics — have helped the Globetrotters prevail as a cultural staple for the past century. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 13 Feb. 2026 The Underground Bunker published SFW screen shots from Dando’s exchanges with Dawn. Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 13 Feb. 2026 Setting aside the gawking nature of certain style choices (the warped, swiveling, 360-degree shots used when someone starts talking about particularly demented ideas are nauseating on multiple levels), the series too closely mirrors its subjects’ insularity. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 13 Feb. 2026 The shots of the house have an almost nostalgic glow but seem a little lonely. Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 13 Feb. 2026 Several long-standing vaccines, including flu and meningitis shots, were suddenly shifted into a conditional category. Josh M. Shepherd, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026 Newton then fired five shots, striking Sanders three times. Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026 Brewer heard three rounds of shots soon after the helicopter arrived, including shots as the aircraft was over her house. Arkansas Online, 6 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shots
Noun
  • Some who follow the Make America Healthy Again movement praised his decision, but former health officials and some medical experts worried the firings would sow distrust in the public health system and in vaccines that have been found to be safe and effective.
    Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
  • All told, the agency lost more than 17,000 civil servants through firings and resignations in 2025—including many scientific leaders at the FDA, CDC and NIH.
    Dan Vergano, Scientific American, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Salah, who had five attempts, has failed to score in his last seven league appearances.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Minnesota made just eight of 33 three-point attempts and committed 20 turnovers while being held under 100 points for just the second time this season.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • That can include your contacts, photos, location, or linked social media accounts like Instagram or Spotify.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Also in one of several photos included in the 3 million new files, Mountbatten-Windsor is seen kneeling on all fours over an unidentified woman on the ground.
    KiMi Robinson, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The shooters were in the parked Chevrolet Equinox for three minutes and 19 seconds before getting out, carrying rifles and with fabric obscuring their faces.
    Emerson Clarridge Updated February 6, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Making that tough decision should have come with a major payday for both sides — Dosunmu’s value never has been higher as a true two-way player who’s one of the league’s top 10 3-point shooters this season.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The bar program includes cocktails with personal backstories and spice-box flavors, including nonalcoholic sips like the delicate, floral Honey Heist, made with Lyre’s Dry London spirit, cardamom, saffron, honey and ginger.
    USA TODAY NETWORK, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Drinks feel just as grown-up, shifting away from sweet sips like sodas (a 2025 staple) and sugary mixed drinks toward options like sparkling water with citrus, martinis (with an olive or onion, of course), savory cocktails, and bloody Marys or Caesars.
    Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The post generated more than 300 guesses, some submitted purely in fun.
    Kathleen Hill, The Providence Journal, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Noting her hesitancy, Benedict’s character in the book guesses that Sophie is illegitimate.
    Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • New York City’s arts opportunities are the envy of the world, encouraging creative professionals from across the globe to stay and contribute to our diverse heritage.
    Kimberly Olsen, New York Daily News, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Some do it for the exposure, the content and the opportunities may emerge with the NBA’s blue-chip sponsors.
    Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The Jayhawks, led by White’s five 3’s in seven tries, went 12-of-24 from 3 to ISU’s 9-of-27.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Cowens and the other four judges – NBA greats Cazzie Russell and Satch Sanders, as well as Roger Staubach and Martina Navratilova – gave Dominique and Spud perfect 50s on their first tries.
    Kevin Sherrington Feb. 10, Dallas Morning News, 10 Feb. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Shots.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shots. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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