accelerant

noun

ac·​cel·​er·​ant ik-ˈse-lə-rənt How to pronounce accelerant (audio)
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
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.
But a sweeping new education report suggests the real story started much earlier—and COVID may have been more accelerant than cause. Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 28 May 2026 Critics have used the video as a political accelerant for Aurora’s broader recall debate. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2026 The woman told police the dogs were covered in ash and appeared to have some sort of accelerant on their fur, according to the outlets. Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 25 May 2026 The ensuing tug-of-war is driven by Karl’s second wife, Mallory (Jessy Hodges), another story accelerant in the guise of a person. Alison Herman, Variety, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for accelerant

Word History

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of accelerant was in 1824

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Cite this Entry

“Accelerant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/accelerant. Accessed 2 Jun. 2026.

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