as in to burn
to be on fire especially brightly
anthracite, which is naturally hard, combusts more cleanly than bituminous coal
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of combust
Pros: When burned cleanly, combusting all of the methane, LNG can reduce global warming impacts by around 10% compared with the diesel fuel many modern cruise ships use, Collette said.
—
Nathan Diller, USA Today, 10 June 2025
But when the teens meet — both infected by the plagues of violence and the attention economy — neither can anticipate how their interaction will ultimately combust.
—Angelique Jackson, Variety, 8 June 2025
Observers had long wondered if the friendship between the two brash billionaires known for lobbing insults online would combust in dramatic fashion.
—Michelle L. Price, Twin Cities, 6 June 2025
Western Maryland’s communities should not be left to combust in the footnotes of our state’s history, but should be integral to its future.
—Daniel A.c. McBride, Baltimore Sun, 1 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for combust
Nathan Diller, USA Today, 10 June 2025
But when the teens meet — both infected by the plagues of violence and the attention economy — neither can anticipate how their interaction will ultimately combust.
—Angelique Jackson, Variety, 8 June 2025
Observers had long wondered if the friendship between the two brash billionaires known for lobbing insults online would combust in dramatic fashion.
—Michelle L. Price, Twin Cities, 6 June 2025
Western Maryland’s communities should not be left to combust in the footnotes of our state’s history, but should be integral to its future.
—Daniel A.c. McBride, Baltimore Sun, 1 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for combust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for combust
Verb
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The wildfire has been burning on private land.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
8 Sep. 2025
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The Jets also failed twice to convert on two-point conversions, once in the first half (Braelon Allen was stuffed) and again in the fourth quarter — after needlessly burning a timeout, Fields forced a throw to Wilson, surrounded by three defensive backs, in the back right corner of the end zone.—
Zack Rosenblatt,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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For observers in Australia, Asia, Africa and parts of Europe, the rise of the full moon will be followed by its journey through Earth’s shadow in space, with its surface glowing reddish-orange for 82 minutes.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
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Lillusory Scallop Cardigan in Navy, $18 with coupon The sweater is starting to receive five-star ratings and glowing reviews.—
Isabel Garcia,
PEOPLE,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Huse torched ham in his backyard for Cuban sandwiches and celebrated birthdays with epic cakes and flaming desserts.—
Gabrielle Calise,
Miami Herald,
3 Sep. 2025
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The games featured will be some of the most impactful of the series yet, including one set at a shrine at night with flaming arrows raining down.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
1 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Combust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combust. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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