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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Recent Examples of ignite
Even sparks or embers carried by the wind can ignite nearby leaves or grass, triggering a fire that spreads rapidly.
—
Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026
Charles has since apologized and deleted the offending TikTok, but the controversy continues, igniting social media discourse.
—Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
In 1985, a confrontation between Philadelphia authorities and the radical group MOVE ended as a police helicopter dropped two bombs onto the group’s row house, igniting a fire that killed 11 people (including five children) and destroyed 61 homes.
—Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2026
As their relationship re-ignites, Alex’s growing bond with Maxy forces a deadly choice between maternal instinct and romantic obsession.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for ignite
Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026
Charles has since apologized and deleted the offending TikTok, but the controversy continues, igniting social media discourse.
—Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
In 1985, a confrontation between Philadelphia authorities and the radical group MOVE ended as a police helicopter dropped two bombs onto the group’s row house, igniting a fire that killed 11 people (including five children) and destroyed 61 homes.
—Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2026
As their relationship re-ignites, Alex’s growing bond with Maxy forces a deadly choice between maternal instinct and romantic obsession.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for ignite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ignite
Verb
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The two fires burn as Florida is in the peak of wildfire season, according to the state’s Department of Emergency Management.—
David Goodhue,
Miami Herald,
11 May 2026
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Jason Stepp, the division chief of operations for the Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue department, said about noon that the southwest portion of the fire is under control, while the northwest portion continues to actively burn and spread.—
Megan Vaz,
Sun Sentinel,
11 May 2026
Verb
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All that matters at this reservation-only pizzeria is the crust, a technical marvel of puff, bulge and scorch.—
Ligaya Mishan,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
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Officials said the fire has scorched at least 5,000 acres as of Monday morning.—
Sergio Candido,
CBS News,
11 May 2026
Verb
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Southampton’s team arrived at St Mary’s amid a sea of red smoke from the flares lit by the thousands of fans who had lined the street to greet them.—
Dan Sheldon,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
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The place was brightly lit and sparingly decorated, with clusters of books that made no sense.—
Francesco Pacifico,
The Dial,
12 May 2026
Verb
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Israel’s national security minister inflamed the situation with a provocative visit to the contested Al Aqsa Mosque compound, raising concerns about Jerusalem’s status in the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict.—
Julia Frankel,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2026
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The skin may often appear inflamed or scaly.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2026
Verb
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Trump nominates Cameron Hamilton to lead FEMA, a surprising comeback after the former Navy SEAL was fired last May for defending the agency’s existence amid calls to dismantle it.—
Gabriela Aoun Angueira,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
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The outlet reported that in 2020, Brown fired multiple rounds at Boston police officers while already on probation in a separate case.—
Greg Wehner,
FOXNews.com,
12 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ignite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ignite. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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