The term "hired gun" refers to someone who is paid to carry out a job or task. However, there are several synonyms that can be used instead, depending on the specific context. For example, a "mercenary" is a soldier who is hired to fight in a foreign army, while a "contractor" is someone who is hired to perform a specific job or task for a company or individual. A "freelancer" is a self-employed individual who offers services on a project-by-project basis, while a "consultant" is a professional who offers expert advice or guidance in a particular field. Other synonyms for "hired gun" include "gun for hire," "professional," and "specialist".