accelerant
noun
ac·cel·er·ant
ik-ˈse-lə-rənt 
ak-
: a substance used to accelerate a process (such as the spreading of a fire)
Examples of accelerant in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
An investigation determined his roommate, 37-year-old Naman Alfredo Vazquez, used an accelerant to set a mattress on fire to cover up Nunez's death, according to police and Cook County prosecutors.
—
Todd Feurer, CBS News, 8 Dec. 2025
And trust becomes an accelerant.
—Jacqui Canney, Fortune, 8 Dec. 2025
However, it could not be conclusively matched, and officials noted that accelerants can completely burn off during a fire.
—Tom Olsen, Twin Cities, 4 Dec. 2025
Surveillance video showed Livelsberger pouring accelerant into the truck bed moments before detonation, an act LVMPD said reflected planning rather than impulse.
—Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for accelerant
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.
Todd Feurer, CBS News, 8 Dec. 2025
And trust becomes an accelerant.
—Jacqui Canney, Fortune, 8 Dec. 2025
However, it could not be conclusively matched, and officials noted that accelerants can completely burn off during a fire.
—Tom Olsen, Twin Cities, 4 Dec. 2025
Surveillance video showed Livelsberger pouring accelerant into the truck bed moments before detonation, an act LVMPD said reflected planning rather than impulse.
—Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for accelerant
Cite this Entry
“Accelerant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/accelerant. Accessed 18 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share