IGNITE Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

ignite

verb

ig-ˈnīt

Definition of ignite

as in to burn

to set (something) on fire tried using newspapers as kindling to ignite the logs in the fireplace

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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 ignite The rare open Senate seat has ignited a scramble among South Carolina’s most ambitious conservatives, who have been eager to climb the political ladder. — Meg Kinnard, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2026 Karatsuba’s algorithm ignited a decades-long race to find the ultimate speed limit of multiplication. — Jack Murtagh, Scientific American, 13 July 2026 But a high-tech solution to the problem has ignited a fresh round of controversy in cities across the nation. — N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 11 July 2026 Fires were ignited, there were thefts from businesses and fireworks were thrown at police and crowds, law enforcement said. — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for ignite

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ignite

Verb

According to researchers, any toxic airborne chemicals would likely stem from the charred foam insulation, metal exterior, burned solar panels and any lithium batteries that might have been present inside the warehouse.

— Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
In Los Angeles County, the fire department said a man was critically injured after a fire burned at least two cars in a parking lot in the Wilmington neighborhood on July 3.

— Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 7 July 2026

Definition of burn

Verb

Overtourism In Europe Is Changing Neighborhoods Despite searing heat, scorching wildfires and overcrowding, visitors keep on coming to Europe, with the biggest burden falling on southern Europe to accommodate them.

— Alex Ledsom, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
So far this summer, Greece has been spared the heatwaves that have scorched much of western Europe in recent weeks.

— Elena Becatoros, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026

Definition of scorch

Verb

The contradictions of their closeness aren’t papered over; the unease is allowed to linger, inflamed and ineradicable.

— Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 9 July 2026
The characters are all in a continual state of collision, their shifting conflicts inflamed by Coriolanus’ arrogantly uncompromising nature.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026

Definition of inflame

Verb

China last tested an ICBM launched into the Pacific in September 2024, firing a DF-31B nuclear-capable missile from Hainan Island in the South China Sea into the open Pacific near French Polynesia.

— Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Police release video of the person racing across the roof of the building from where authorities say the shot was fired, dropping down to the ground and walking off campus.

— ABC News, ABC News, 5 July 2026

Definition of fire

Browse Nearby Words

ignitable

ignite

ignited

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“Ignite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ignite. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of ignite

verb

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