Definition of combustiblenext
as in explosive
capable of catching or being set on fire don't store oily rags and other combustible materials in a hot attic

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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 combustible The available evidence raises more questions than answers in an extremely combustible situation in an already tense city. Michael McAuliffe, Sun Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2026 That fire began when indoor pyrotechnics ignited combustible materials on the walls and ceiling, leading to rapid fire spread and flashover conditions. Christina Diaz, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Jan. 2026 Firefighters believe the fire started accidentally when combustible materials were left too close to a heat source, according to Evans. Timia Cobb breaking News Reporter, Dallas Morning News, 5 Jan. 2026 When a fire begins in a room without ventilation, the heat radiates downward, eventually engulfing all combustible items in its path, causing a flashover, per NFPA. Melina Khan, USA Today, 2 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for combustible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for combustible
Adjective
  • While chatting with Fallon, Sink shared a few thoughts on the explosive finale of Stranger Things—some of which proved to be a little controversial.
    Meg Walters, InStyle, 7 Jan. 2026
  • McNeil-Warren is an explosive, rangy defender with sound tackling technique, and a violent finisher.
    Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Gas ovens pose a dangerous carbon monoxide risk that can lead to poisoning or death, while electric ovens can be a fire hazard, melting knobs or igniting nearby flammable items.
    Jonathan Limehouse, USA Today, 24 Jan. 2026
  • If using a space heater, put it in an open area at least 3 feet away from flammable objects and people.
    Elissa Jorgensen, Dallas Morning News, 23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Luckily, the cartoon cat didn't explode, as the balloon was filled with non-inflammable helium.
    Kate Hogan, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025
  • Police found the construction company name on inflammable polystyrene boards that firefighters found blocking some windows at the apartment complex.
    Catherine Nicholls, CNN Money, 26 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The facility at 6411 Oak Canyon was slated to close at the end of 2025, but city leaders changed plans recently and area residents can continue to visit the site to dispose of paint cans, batteries and anything that contains corrosive, toxic, ignitable or reactive ingredients.
    Victoria Le, Oc Register, 31 Dec. 2025
  • The training process also exposes canines to six classifications of ignitable liquids.
    JT Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 17 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • As one of Cohen's most frequent guests on his late-night talk show Watch What Happens Live, Rapaport has generated some of its most viral and debated moments, like a fiery 2018 spat between the actor and Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kenya Moore.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Jan. 2026
  • Nature—and its subtlest micro-shifts—are the main protagonists, from the green humidity of summer, the sound of cicadas ringing thick in the air to the fiery blaze of autumn leaves (courtesy of approximately 3,000 Japanese maple trees) and the fresh cloud-like bursts of springtime sakura.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Combustible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combustible. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.

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