as in sweetheart
a person with whom one is in love
decided to look up an old flame while she was in town
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
as in to glow
to be on fire especially brightly
guests gathered around as the Yule log flamed brightly in the inn's great stone fireplace
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to erupt
to develop suddenly and violently
my anger flamed when the usher told my friend to shut up
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
4
as in to gleam
to shoot forth bursts of light
the actress's ruby necklace flamed dazzlingly under the bright lights
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of flame
Letters To The Editor, Hartford Courant, 20 Feb. 2026
The standards, created to protect children from small open-flame sources, including matches, lighters, candles, fireplace embers, stoves and space heaters, mean that garments of children's sleepwear must pass certain flammability tests.
—Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 19 Feb. 2026
Alyson Rodriguez, Dallas Morning News, 1 Feb. 2026
Think again, as the California Zephyr, the longest route in America crosses through seven states, carving up Colorado’s canyons, then passing into Utah where the sun ignites mesas into flaming towers of rock.
—Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for flame
Noun
Our light is now diminishing from a vibrant flame to only a flicker of light, and the world is watching our demise.
—Letters To The Editor, Hartford Courant, 20 Feb. 2026
The standards, created to protect children from small open-flame sources, including matches, lighters, candles, fireplace embers, stoves and space heaters, mean that garments of children's sleepwear must pass certain flammability tests.
—Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 19 Feb. 2026
Verb
Attendees can also indulge in flaming cocktails to toast their love.
—Alyson Rodriguez, Dallas Morning News, 1 Feb. 2026
Think again, as the California Zephyr, the longest route in America crosses through seven states, carving up Colorado’s canyons, then passing into Utah where the sun ignites mesas into flaming towers of rock.
—Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for flame
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flame
Noun
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The reverend is survived by his college sweetheart, Jacqueline Jackson, to whom he’d been married since 1962.—
Jessica Schladebeck,
New York Daily News,
17 Feb. 2026
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Savor wine tastings and pairings, tours, intimate accommodations, romantic dinners, live music and beyond with your sweetheart.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Outdoors, a long communal dining table sits in the courtyard beneath glowing string lights, right next to the koi pond.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 Feb. 2026
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The same pressure that consumed Glenn and teammate Ilia Malinin could not even touch Liu’s glowing aura.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Angst over the city’s changing demographics has often erupted in Springfield’s city commission meetings, where citizens can speak their mind at an open podium.—
Caitlin Hu,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
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Do-it-all Detroit superstar Cade Cunningham erupted for 42 points, eight rebounds and 13 assists, bolstering his standing as an MVP candidate.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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There was a metal cot, a coal-burning stove and a bare light bulb hanging from the ceiling.—
Zoe Sottile,
CNN Money,
16 Feb. 2026
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Our lovely Skeldale family stands together and suddenly notices the fires burning on other hills all across the countryside.—
Alice Burton,
Vulture,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The sculptor, David Adickes, was an Army veteran who'd wanted his stony visages to gleam.—
Danielle Paquette The Washington Post,
Arkansas Online,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Four gleaming minaret-style towers welcome visitors to Alys Beach and a stretch of the scenic highway flanked by towering palm trees.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Designer-darling nail artist Jin Soon Choi topped fingers and toes at Proenza Schouler with a hazy cerulean polish named Sea Clay from her eponymous line.—
Arden Fanning Andrews,
Vogue,
17 Feb. 2026
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The Song Sung Blue actress has cemented herself as an awards season darling for her role as Claire Sardina, one half of a real-life Neil Diamond tribute band—and Hudson embraced a sartorial challenge while combining so many divisive trends into one monochromatic look on Sunday night.—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The show captures the frenzy of all-consuming lust and the chaos that arises in the wake of a blazing hot relationship without true depth or knowledge of the other partner.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
18 Feb. 2026
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Known for his blazing speed, Hill is an eight-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro through 10 NFL seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs and Dolphins.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Since then, the fizzy dance challenge has exploded on TikTok, with tons of fans re-creating the clip’s silly dance moves in their kitchens, parking garages, living rooms, Times Square and hospital corridors.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
18 Feb. 2026
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Red fireworks are then seen exploding over the bridge.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Flame.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flame. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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