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
Court documents say several videos appear to show Niehaus using an accelerant, as well as a small, blow torch.
—
Kevin Grasha, Cincinnati Enquirer, 3 Oct. 2025
Authorities said the suspect had possibly used an accelerant, most likely gasoline, to start the fire.
—Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2025
An accelerant, possibly gasoline, was likely used to start the church blaze, according to an agent with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
—Frank Witsil, Freep.com, 29 Sep. 2025
Sanford used an accelerant, like gasoline, police believe, to light the church house on fire, said James Deir, special agent in charge of the Detroit field division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
—Holly Yan, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for accelerant
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Kevin Grasha, Cincinnati Enquirer, 3 Oct. 2025
Authorities said the suspect had possibly used an accelerant, most likely gasoline, to start the fire.
—Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2025
An accelerant, possibly gasoline, was likely used to start the church blaze, according to an agent with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
—Frank Witsil, Freep.com, 29 Sep. 2025
Sanford used an accelerant, like gasoline, police believe, to light the church house on fire, said James Deir, special agent in charge of the Detroit field division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
—Holly Yan, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 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 8 Oct. 2025.
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