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combustible

adjective

kəm-ˈbə-stə-bəl How to pronounce combustible (audio)
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 combustible Fallen leaves, tree needles, bark, storing firewood and other combustible materials all must be removed from this area, according to a summary of the draft regulation. — Paris Barraza, USA Today, 17 Aug. 2026 Nearly all the fires were ignited with a lighter and combustible material, the affidavit reads. — Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026 Trees lose moisture over extended periods of exceptional heat and dryness, becoming progressively more combustible. — Bloomberg, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026 The agency also suggested replacing combustible fences attached to the home with a noncombustible option. — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for combustible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for combustible
  1. explosive
  2. combustive
  3. flammable
  4. inflammable
  5. ignitable
  6. fiery
Adjective
  • If Monken creates an offense that’s greatly improved and at least occasionally explosive, maybe the Browns can overachieve.
    — Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • The complaint filed last week in Southern California is the first legal action since the explosive allegations surrounding Chavez were first reported by the New York Times in March.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of explosive
Adjective
  • But, rolling deep with indie rock/folk torchbearers the Shins and combustive alt-rockers Silversun Pickups?
    — Aaron Davis, Sacbee.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • That’s made the voter roll controversy particularly combustive in West Bengal, where almost a third of the 90 million-strong population are Muslim and where the BJP has been making inroads in recent years.
    — Esha Mitra, CNN Money, 1 May 2026
Definition of combustive
Adjective
  • The inspectors discovered vessels full of flammable liquid stored near combustible materials, Oklahoma station KFOR reported, in addition to fire extinguishers that weren’t properly maintained.
    — Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 10 Sep. 2026
  • But while the buildings appeared to be marble, they were actually made of extremely flammable plaster, pine, hemp and jute — all haphazardly draped with live electrical wires.
    — Alison J. Stein, HubSpot, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of flammable
Adjective
  • Many works of Georges Méliès are even believed to have been burned as the original negatives, as the nitrate film stock is incredibly fragile and inflammable.
    — Munis Raza, Interesting Engineering, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Flammable and inflammable mean the same thing.
    — Boston Herald editorial staff, Boston Herald, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of inflammable
Adjective
  • Residents can dispose of corrosive, toxic, ignitable or reactive substances.
    — Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2026
  • 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
Definition of ignitable
Adjective
  • The Arkansas native is not prone to fiery speeches or outbursts.
    — Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Continue reading … HARD LEFT PIVOT — Newsom says Electoral College has 'perverted' US politics in fiery interview.
    — , FOXNews.com, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of fiery

Browse Nearby Words

combusted
combustible
combusting
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Combustible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combustible. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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