1
as in to glow
to be on fire especially brightly
all evening long we just sat there, contentedly watching the Yule log burn
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in to scorch
to set (something) on fire
it is not a good idea to try to burn old papers in the sink
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to steam
to be excited or emotionally stirred up with anger
he came home burning with anger because of a reprimand at work
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in to flame
to shine with a bright harsh light
the bright streetlight outside our motel room burned all night long
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5
as in to deceive
to cause to believe what is untrue
he's been burned before, so he's careful to double-check such claims now
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in to consume
to make complete use of
heedlessly burning the country's resources without any concern for future generations
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in brook
a natural body of running water smaller than a river
the walkers forded the shallow burn and then came upon a field of gorse
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of burn
Courtland Milloy, Washington Post, 12 Sep. 2023
William Lucas, 8, survived after Tonya Lucas’ boyfriend at the time rescued him from the burning home.
—Alex Mann, Baltimore Sun, 12 Sep. 2023
Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 14 July 2025
The probation officer suffered significant burns to his arms and was taken to a hospital for treatment, according to the department.
—Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for burn
Verb
Such interactions can light a fuse that may burn throughout a school year, only to erupt when students arrive for a new semester driving their parents’ car.
—Courtland Milloy, Washington Post, 12 Sep. 2023
William Lucas, 8, survived after Tonya Lucas’ boyfriend at the time rescued him from the burning home.
—Alex Mann, Baltimore Sun, 12 Sep. 2023
Noun
As of Monday, the greatest fire activity was on the southwest and northeast edges of the burn area.
—Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 14 July 2025
The probation officer suffered significant burns to his arms and was taken to a hospital for treatment, according to the department.
—Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for burn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burn
Verb
-
Its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, glows with buildings carved from Villamayor sandstone that shimmer like honey under the basking Castilian rays.—
Lewis Nunn,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
-
Its tools have been quirky designs and glowing lights, along with a focus on markets outside the US.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
18 July 2025
Verb
-
Potassium deficiency causes yellowing and scorching along leaf edges, weak stems, and interveinal chlorosis, a yellowing between the leaf veins.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
22 July 2025
-
Take it from someone who easily melts in the scorching heat and humidity — linen clothing is your best option for staying cool all summer.—
Emily Weaver,
People.com,
19 July 2025
Verb
-
After the rice has steamed, fluff it gently with a fork to separate the grains.—
Robin Miller,
AZCentral.com,
17 July 2025
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There are several ways to prepare peas, including boiling, roasting, sautéing, microwaving, air frying, or steaming.—
Julie Marks,
Verywell Health,
10 July 2025
Verb
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Chicago Cubs almost certainly remember Anthony Rizzo's flaming hot streak in the leadoff spot in the order.—
Andrew Wright,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 July 2025
-
Take the flaming Baller Colada (served in a pineapple) from a menu that unfolds like an amusement park map.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
11 July 2025
Verb
-
More than 20 children are in the custody of a Southern California child-welfare agency as authorities investigate allegations of child abuse and whether surrogate mothers were deceived by a Los Angeles-area couple.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
17 July 2025
-
And then he was wishy-washy, went back and forth, and she was deceived and disappointed by him.—
Rebecca Alter,
Vulture,
15 July 2025
Verb
-
Good Culture took advantage of its own viral moment with an ad campaign embracing the various ways of preparing and consuming its product.—
Danielle Wiener-Bronner,
CNN Money,
26 July 2025
-
And each switch requires the brain to reorient itself, which consumes mental energy and slows overall performance, Dr. Schiff explains.—
Noma Nazish,
Forbes.com,
26 July 2025
Noun
-
Nearly 20 homes were cut off in the town of Sutton as a local brook quickly rose from its banks and surrounded buildings, Fire Chief Kyle Seymour said.—
arkansasonline.com,
arkansasonline.com,
12 July 2025
-
But in case the running brooks aren’t meeting your educational needs this summer, here are some suggestions for actual books to tuck into your backpack.—
Alex Hutchinson,
Outside Online,
9 June 2025
Verb
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The Perfect Warm-Up: Ezra Collective Brings the Fire Brit Award and Mercury Prize winning British band Ezra Collective set the stage for Stevie Wonder with an energy-filled, all guns blazing performance full of magical keys, sublime saxophone and dazzling drumming.—
Lee Sharrock,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
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Minutes later, all firefighters had been ordered out of the blazing building as well, the department said.—
Grace Zokovitch,
Boston Herald,
13 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Burn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burn. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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