Synonyms of combust

combust

verb

kəm-ˈbəst 

as in to burn

to be on fire especially brightly

anthracite, which is naturally hard, combusts more cleanly than bituminous coal

Synonyms & Similar Words

• burn
• glow
• flame
• blaze
• fire
• ignite
• smolder
• flicker
• shine
• gleam
• melt
• go up in flames
• kindle
• scorch
• cook
• deflagrate
• enkindle
• bake
• light (up)
• sputter
• flare (up)
• roast
• char
• waver
• spark
• radiate
• broil
• beam
• catch
• beat (down)
• brighten
• flash
• glisten
• swelter
• sparkle
• shimmer
• glitter
• glare
• gutter
• twinkle
• scintillate
• glint
• glimmer

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of combust

At this spot, several hundred feet above the 101 Freeway between La Conchita and Rincon Point, the area has also spontaneously combusted during ground shifts, according to previous reporting from The Times. — Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2026

Many times, bodies spontaneously combust and spray blood everywhere. — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 14 Mar. 2026

The element of surprise has mostly worn off, even if Grace tells Faith that one never really gets used to people spontaneously combusting right in front of you. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 14 Mar. 2026

During winter, wet road salt can seep into manholes, corroding electrical cables’ insulation, causing sparks and gas that can then combust under pressure. — Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 26 Feb. 2026