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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Recent Examples of arson
Many racial justice protesters were frustrated that some people used the protests as an excuse to commit crimes such as looting and arson.
—
Story Hinckley, Christian Science Monitor, 12 June 2025
Authorities said an arson and vandalism spree did significant damage to Tarrytown Lighthouse, a historic site along the Hudson River, that officials vow to rebuild.
—Michael P. McKinney, USA Today, 7 June 2025
In response, in recent months, there were numerous cases of vandalism or arson of Tesla facilities or vehicles in the U.S., as well as waves of peaceful protests at Tesla stores and service centers in North America and Europe.
—Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 6 June 2025
The fire was an intentional act of arson and investigators are seeking public assistance to identify the suspect and advance the investigation.
—Kerry Breen
june 6, CBS News, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for arson
Story Hinckley, Christian Science Monitor, 12 June 2025
Authorities said an arson and vandalism spree did significant damage to Tarrytown Lighthouse, a historic site along the Hudson River, that officials vow to rebuild.
—Michael P. McKinney, USA Today, 7 June 2025
In response, in recent months, there were numerous cases of vandalism or arson of Tesla facilities or vehicles in the U.S., as well as waves of peaceful protests at Tesla stores and service centers in North America and Europe.
—Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 6 June 2025
The fire was an intentional act of arson and investigators are seeking public assistance to identify the suspect and advance the investigation.
—Kerry Breen
june 6, CBS News, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for arson
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arson
Noun
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The ritual occurs every year at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem on the day before Easter and consists of the lighting of a fire — said to emerge miraculously — that is then distributed to Orthodox countries including Romania.—
Rafa Sales Ross,
Variety,
20 June 2025
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Swiss rate cut spotlights Europe’s disinflation risk While many nations are holding fire on interest rates, the Swiss decision is a reminder of the risk of disinflation, analysts warned.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
20 June 2025
Noun
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Notwithstanding Michelin Guide’s 2020 pause in ratings due to the pandemic and wildfires, Providence held two stars every year since the guide’s return to L.A.—
Stephanie Breijo,
Los Angeles Times,
26 June 2025
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The cost of weather disasters in the U.S. has skyrocketed in the last decade, as climate change causes more intense weather and populations grow in areas that are at high risk for hurricanes, wildfires and other destructive events.—
Rebecca Hersher,
NPR,
26 June 2025
Noun
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Two firefighters battling a house blaze were transported to the hospital for heat exhaustion, as temps surged past 100 degrees on Tuesday.—
Rick Sobey,
Boston Herald,
25 June 2025
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The powerful blaze blew out the building’s windows, leaving glass shards on the ground.—
Rebecca White,
New York Daily News,
22 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Arson.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arson. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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