as in fire
the illegal burning of a building or other property; the crime of setting fire to something
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, but investigators suspect arson. The town has suffered a rash of arson attacks.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of arson
Early last Sunday morning after hosting a Passover Seder, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and his family were evacuated from the governor's official residence in Harrisburg as an arson fire tore through the mansion.
—
ABC News, 20 Apr. 2025
On Friday, April 18, the Department of Justice’s Office of Public Affairs named Owen McIntire, 19, as the person facing federal charges related to an arson at a Tesla business in Kansas City, Mo.
Woman Accused of Trying to Plant Explosive Devices at Colo.
—Angel Saunders, People.com, 19 Apr. 2025
The University of Massachusetts Boston student was back in his hometown of Parkville, Missouri, for spring break at the time of the arson, according to the DOJ, which said that the incident occurred on March 17 near the Kansas City Tesla Center.
—Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025
The other person was Jamison Wagner, who was charged on April 14 for arson attacks at the New Mexico Republican Party headquarters and a Tesla dealership.
—Krystal Nurse, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for arson
ABC News, 20 Apr. 2025
On Friday, April 18, the Department of Justice’s Office of Public Affairs named Owen McIntire, 19, as the person facing federal charges related to an arson at a Tesla business in Kansas City, Mo.
Woman Accused of Trying to Plant Explosive Devices at Colo.
—Angel Saunders, People.com, 19 Apr. 2025
The University of Massachusetts Boston student was back in his hometown of Parkville, Missouri, for spring break at the time of the arson, according to the DOJ, which said that the incident occurred on March 17 near the Kansas City Tesla Center.
—Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025
The other person was Jamison Wagner, who was charged on April 14 for arson attacks at the New Mexico Republican Party headquarters and a Tesla dealership.
—Krystal Nurse, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for arson
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arson
Noun
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In the game, as well as in real life, striking flint on steel can start a fire.—
Jennifer Borresen,
USA Today,
22 Apr. 2025
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At this time, there is no data on the containment status of the fire and the cause has yet to be determined.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
22 Apr. 2025
Noun
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For journalists who cover natural disasters, here are 3 key things to consider Disaster reporting is crucial for people affected by hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires and other events.—
Shaun McKinnon,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
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Another study found urban lizards were also more responsive to threatening sounds, such as a wildfire or a kestrel.—
Sean Greene,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
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According to an April 21 Facebook post from the West Springfield Fire Department in Massachusetts, firefighters responding to a car fire discovered a surprise near the scene of the blaze.—
Kelli Bender,
People.com,
25 Apr. 2025
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Many koalas endured injuries, burns and smoke inhalation in the blaze, which burned approximately 5,436 acres, according to government officials.—
Sarah Kuta,
Smithsonian Magazine,
25 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Arson.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arson. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
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