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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Or, at least, distract us from the sensation of burning?—
Caroline Rose Giuliani,
New Yorker,
19 May 2026
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The fire has burned two historic structures on the island, which is home to rare plant species like the Torrey pine.—
Paris Barraza,
USA Today,
19 May 2026
Verb
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The Morrill Fire — the largest wildfire in Nebraska history — scorched vast stretches of land in mid-March.—
Kailey Schuyler,
FOXNews.com,
19 May 2026
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Their luck finally ran out in the final, as they were scorched by two of the best players Asia has to offer in Yufei Long & Ting Chieh Wei, winners of the 2025 Sansan Fukuoka Open.—
Todd Boss,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
Verb
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Terminus always made sure their arrival came just after nightfall when the streetlights were lit and families were sitting back with full bellies bumping against their dinner tables, houses quiet; all conversation having already been spent between forkfuls of food and hearty swallows of drink.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 May 2026
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The park will feature professional grade fields, lighting for extended play, learning centers and flexible gathering spaces, and will expand access to soccer for all ages for years to come.—
Miceal Chamberlain,
Boston Herald,
19 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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According to police, the suspects allegedly stole multiple vehicles throughout the spree and fired shots at apartment complexes, homes, pedestrians and two fire stations.—
Greg Wehner,
FOXNews.com,
18 May 2026
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Though OpenAI was making progress on research and development, Musk had demanded that Altman and other co-founders, including Brockman and Ilya Sutskever, make a list of employees and their key contributions, and fire everyone who didn't immediately make the grade, filings show.—
Ashley Capoot,Lora Kolodny,
CNBC,
18 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ignite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ignite. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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