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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of burn
Callum Sutherland, Time, 12 Jan. 2026
Trump had posted some of Loomer’s footage on his Truth Social account and threatened to seize the canal, prompting Panamanians to burn effigies of him.
—Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 12 Jan. 2026
Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 9 Jan. 2026
The Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation estimated last year that more than 1,800 small businesses were in the burn zones in Pacific Palisades, Malibu and Altadena, impacting more than 11,000 jobs.
—Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for burn
Verb
Some burned Islamic Republic flags and pictures of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
—Callum Sutherland, Time, 12 Jan. 2026
Trump had posted some of Loomer’s footage on his Truth Social account and threatened to seize the canal, prompting Panamanians to burn effigies of him.
—Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 12 Jan. 2026
Noun
Fire managers carefully monitor prescribed burns and will plan to conduct activities during safest possible burn windows.
—Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 9 Jan. 2026
The Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation estimated last year that more than 1,800 small businesses were in the burn zones in Pacific Palisades, Malibu and Altadena, impacting more than 11,000 jobs.
—Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for burn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burn
Verb
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At peak activity, the shower can produce 10 to 20 meteors per hour—with many leaving long, glowing trails and occasionally dazzling fireballs.—
Michael d'Estries,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Jan. 2026
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Kim shared a glowing photo of her smiley second daughter admiring her braids in the mirror.—
Andrea Wurzburger,
PEOPLE,
15 Jan. 2026
Verb
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When Liverpool and Arsenal last met, in late August, a scorching late Dominik Szoboszlai free kick saw the reigning champions strike an ominous early blow in the title race, jumping three points ahead of their London rivals.—
Jack Bantock,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
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The Panthers, in turn, went 15-1 and then scorched through the playoffs before falling short in the Super Bowl against the Broncos.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Some other unconventional methods include steaming the fabric to soften the threads and then stretch, as well as wetting the garment and then pining it down at the correct size, like how crocheters stretch out granny squares.—
Hallie Milstein,
Southern Living,
15 Jan. 2026
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Our Test Kitchen used a thin, 12-inch cast-iron skillet and the high heat transferred well in this pan and allowed for some charring, but also steaming due to the high volume.—
Heather Riske,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Allison’s husband, Rich Statter, quickly stepped in and grabbed his wife's flaming hair, putting out the fire with his hands.—
Escher Walcott,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
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The luxury Swiss Alps nightclub where at least 40 people were killed and nearly 120 others were injured in a New Year’s Eve inferno, had previously released a promotional video advertising flaming champagne bottles, which authorities deemed the cause of the tragedy.—
Emma Bussey , Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
2 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Sextortion, a scheme where victims are deceived into sending online perpetrators explicit images and then blackmailed in exchange for money or additional graphic content, has affected thousands of teens in recent years and led to multiple suicide deaths.—
Clare Duffy,
CNN Money,
12 Jan. 2026
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Fortunately, the American public is much more informed and less likely to be deceived by the meat and dairy industry than in 1977.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
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His first time on air, and another chance to change how viewers consume the country’s most popular sport, was only minutes away.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
10 Jan. 2026
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When possible, consume vitamin A through nutritious foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, liver, and eggs instead of dietary supplements to optimize your health.—
Megan Nunn,
Verywell Health,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Dee Anderson, a spokesperson for the Tarrant County police, said at the time that maintenance workers had been near the creek hours earlier, but Amber’s body was not found.—
Emily Krauser,
PEOPLE,
13 Jan. 2026
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In the ‘Groundhog Day’-esque nightmare that never ends, the ‘urgent’ and ‘engaged’ Boston Red Sox are up a creek without a paddle, vessel, and excuse, having lost out on a top – and very sign-able – free-agent target once again.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The council in 2024 rejected a 498-unit apartment complex nearby in Deer Canyon over similar concerns related to evacuations and the area’s proneness to blazes.—
Victoria Le,
Oc Register,
14 Jan. 2026
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The publicity staff is pulling out all the stops to arouse interest in the show, including a Hollywood premiere in New York complete with lights, blazing Bat symbols, plush red carpets, champagne and popcorn.—
Orlando Sentinel Staff,
The Orlando Sentinel,
12 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Burn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burn. Accessed 21 Jan. 2026.
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