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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in creek
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
Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 9 Mar. 2026
In Beirut, sheltering families crammed into schools, and slept in cars or in open areas near the Mediterranean Sea, where some burned firewood to keep warm while awaiting basic supplies.
—Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2026
Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 4 Mar. 2026
As a common treatment for burns, aloe vera is perceived as natural and therefore harmless by many consumers, experts say.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for burn
Verb
Many speculative buyers were burned during the peak frenzy (and subsequent crash) and never returned.
—Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 9 Mar. 2026
In Beirut, sheltering families crammed into schools, and slept in cars or in open areas near the Mediterranean Sea, where some burned firewood to keep warm while awaiting basic supplies.
—Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2026
Noun
First responders quickly put out the flames and rushed the victim to New York-Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell’s burn unit.
—Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 4 Mar. 2026
As a common treatment for burns, aloe vera is perceived as natural and therefore harmless by many consumers, experts say.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for burn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burn
Verb
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And so begins our journey, out from the Green Monster and onto the glowing screen.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
12 Mar. 2026
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In a period defined by constant notifications and glowing screens, the bedroom is increasingly being redesigned as a space for intentional disconnection.—
Jacorey Moon,
Architectural Digest,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In a region where weather swings from paralyzing ice storms to scorching summers, these elements carry weight.—
Mary Grace Granados
Special Contributor,
Dallas Morning News,
5 Mar. 2026
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How to Cope When spending time outdoors in scorching weather, protect yourself by hydrating frequently, avoiding the hottest time of day, and seeking shade when possible.—
Becky Upham,
EverydayHealth.com,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
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But portioning the layered dish into individual servings before cooking and steaming it on the stovetop?—
Gretchen McKay,
Boston Herald,
11 Mar. 2026
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But the different pockets and components formed by the bone structure help steam the meat to keep it juicy.—
Stella Fong,
Outside,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Find a bit of room for the profiteroles or Grand Marnier flaming crème brûlée.—
Lydia Mansel,
Southern Living,
1 Mar. 2026
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Jalisco cartel lieutenants threw up flaming roadblocks in 20 of Mexico’s 32 states, according to the government.—
Mary Beth Sheridan,
CNN Money,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Defamation, which refers to a false statement of fact that is reputationally damaging, and false light, which is a technically true statement but is presented in a highly deceiving fashion, are other possible legal actions.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
9 Mar. 2026
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Looks, too, can be deceiving for those not on the grounds.—
Douglas Robson,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The general recommendation for adults is to consume seven to eight glasses of water per day.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
7 Mar. 2026
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Yet data centers can also consume massive amounts of water and energy; the Quantum Frederick campus, once fully built out, will consume 864 megawatts of electricity, dwarfing the county’s current electricity needs.—
Lily Carey,
Baltimore Sun,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Locally heavy rain will quickly reduce visibility and result in ponding of water on roadways, standing water in low lying areas, and minor flooding of creeks, streams, and areas of poor drainage.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Mar. 2026
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One of my favorite choices is developing a dry creek bed that slopes away from a home's foundation.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Article continues below Unfortunately, a passing asteroid deposits a killer alien robot in their midst, and the soldiers must fend for themselves as this marauding mech stalks them with guns and lasers blazing.—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
10 Mar. 2026
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The sun would blaze the limestone steps.—
Danielle Parker,
CBS News,
10 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Burn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burn. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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