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
Secure trailer chains to prevent sparks, properly dispose of cigarettes, and avoid parking vehicles on dry grass where hot exhaust systems can ignite vegetation.
—
Newsroom Meteorologist, Austin American Statesman, 19 Feb. 2026
The arrival of the Cubans with rap sheets in Havana also coincides with intensifying pressure from the United States in a push to engage in negotiations that could ignite regime change.
—Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2026
However, the suspect was unable to ignite the accelerant before being scared off by responding agencies, according to Basterrechea.
—Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 19 Feb. 2026
In the southern part of the state, thunderstorms were wreaking havoc this week, with lightning igniting a grove of palm trees in San Pasqual Valley, scorching more than 100 on Tuesday.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ignite
Newsroom Meteorologist, Austin American Statesman, 19 Feb. 2026
The arrival of the Cubans with rap sheets in Havana also coincides with intensifying pressure from the United States in a push to engage in negotiations that could ignite regime change.
—Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2026
However, the suspect was unable to ignite the accelerant before being scared off by responding agencies, according to Basterrechea.
—Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 19 Feb. 2026
In the southern part of the state, thunderstorms were wreaking havoc this week, with lightning igniting a grove of palm trees in San Pasqual Valley, scorching more than 100 on Tuesday.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ignite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ignite
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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Saturated in the heatwave colors of Australia’s scorching Red Center, with its searing blue skies and bright orange sands, Wolfram makes the grim, lawless backwater of Wake in Fright seem positively cosmopolitan by comparison.—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
17 Feb. 2026
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Unfazed as the first shooter of the event — and the first player introduced to the masses — Knueppel scorched the nets to the tune of 27 points.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Edwards, who plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves and was named the game’s most valuable player, gave all the credit to Wembanyama for lighting the competitive juices of his fellow All-Stars.—
Broderick Turner,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 2026
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With the lights turned off, many in the crowd of 93,103 held up lighters and lit matches in tribute.—
Jim Alexander,
Oc Register,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Although your emotions on a contentious subject need to be heard and processed by you, airing them carelessly to others might inflame the drama further.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
19 Feb. 2026
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When that cable becomes inflamed or damaged, Tsai says, the brain’s signals struggle to reach the muscles.—
Théoden Janes,
Charlotte Observer,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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These boats have the vertical launch system (VLS), which could be used to fire new high-speed anti-ship missiles displayed at China’s Victory Day parade in Beijing last fall.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
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Police said one of the males in the fight brandished a handgun and fired gunshots at others.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ignite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ignite. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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