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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in to annoy
to disturb the peace of mind of (someone) especially by repeated disagreeable acts
seeing people violate smoking bans really burns me up
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in combustible
capable of catching or being set on fire
don't put something so burnable as a towel next to the stove
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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
Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2025
Julia and Henry’s connection is a slower burn, by contrast, and the more grounded of the two to start.
—Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 8 Aug. 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
With the damage effectively taking out their power source and other life support supplies, the Apollo 13 crew had to abruptly abandon their trek to the lunar surface and use several engine burns to swing around the far side of the moon and put themselves on a course back toward Earth.
—Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2025
Julia and Henry’s connection is a slower burn, by contrast, and the more grounded of the two to start.
—Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 8 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for burn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burn
Noun
-
The brook had left its channel and begun a new channel across the valley.—
John Seabrook,
New Yorker,
21 July 2025
-
Smaller brooks, ordinarily not containing flowing water, became raging torrents which could be crossed only by swimming.—
Doyle Rice,
USA Today,
8 July 2025
Adjective
-
In an increasingly competitive and combustible world, and with an economically fragile and politically polarized domestic environment, the United States cannot afford being caught by surprise.—
MATAN CHOREV,
Foreign Affairs,
22 July 2025
-
An employee at a Pyro Spectaculars, Inc. warehouse tripped and dropped a combustible shell.—
Calista Oetama
July 3,
Sacbee.com,
3 July 2025
Noun
-
The boy, who was never identified until forensic genealogy recently helped crack the case, had been found beaten to death in the creek on June 13 of that year, according to police.—
Sean Neumann,
People.com,
5 Aug. 2025
-
It is situated along a creek just off California State Route 2 in Angeles National Forest.—
Jaclyn Cosgrove,
Los Angeles Times,
5 June 2025
Adjective
-
The discovery suggests that if such explosive events are commonplace in young star systems, newborn stars and any planets that form around them may exist in environments far more chaotic and intense than previously thought, according to a new study.—
Sharmila Kuthunur,
Space.com,
15 Aug. 2025
-
This type of explosive strengthening is happening more frequently as planet-warming pollution tips the scales toward hotter oceans that fuel powerful storms.—
Briana Waxman,
CNN Money,
15 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses.—
Stephen Harding,
AZCentral.com,
17 Aug. 2025
-
Usually on Woodward, fast, loud and shiny cars stand out among a constant stream of everyday commuter cars.—
Liam Rappleye,
Freep.com,
16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
When using a space heater, ensure the area is clear of dust, hair, and other flammable debris.—
Timothy Dale,
Better Homes & Gardens,
17 July 2025
-
Soliman allegedly entered the park carrying a backpack with 18 glass bottles and jars, as well as flammable liquid and red rags, and approached the group, according to the Justice Department.—
Solcyré Burga,
Time,
15 July 2025
Adjective
-
And all this against an inflammable backdrop of geopolitical crises including but not limited to the Israel-Hamas war and Russia's invasion of Ukraine.—
John Leicester,
Quartz,
15 Apr. 2024
-
Heat also stresses old electrical systems — insulation breaks down; lubricants in relays dry out — and a not-insignificant amount of the subway’s electrical wiring dates to the 1920s and 1930s, some of it cloth-covered, inflammable, and pervious to water.—
Curbed,
Curbed,
28 July 2023
Cite this Entry
“Burn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burn. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share