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
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Recent Examples of ignite
Authorities have opened an investigation into the bar’s managers and are examining whether champagne sparklers may have ignited the fire.
—
Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 5 Jan. 2026
Lucey Jean and Morgan Bieler each dialed up hat tricks for Hopkinton (2-4), igniting a 7-0 Tri-Valley League win over Ashland Co-op.
—Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 4 Jan. 2026
In Brazil, the 2013 fire at Kiss nightclub caused by people setting off fireworks that ignited flammable soundproofing foam, killing more than 200 people, leading to fire safety reforms in that country as well.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026
Prosecutors said the fire was likely caused by sparkling candles igniting the ceiling of its basement.
—Reuters, NBC news, 4 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ignite
Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 5 Jan. 2026
Lucey Jean and Morgan Bieler each dialed up hat tricks for Hopkinton (2-4), igniting a 7-0 Tri-Valley League win over Ashland Co-op.
—Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 4 Jan. 2026
In Brazil, the 2013 fire at Kiss nightclub caused by people setting off fireworks that ignited flammable soundproofing foam, killing more than 200 people, leading to fire safety reforms in that country as well.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026
Prosecutors said the fire was likely caused by sparkling candles igniting the ceiling of its basement.
—Reuters, NBC news, 4 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ignite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ignite
Verb
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Walk out of a play’s shadows back into the clear light of day without a there to take with you, and even a burning cauldron will become little more than a brief candle.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
10 Nov. 2025
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Veg/cm/61 Fire has been burning on private land.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
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When Liverpool and Arsenal last met, in late August, a scorching late Dominik Szoboszlai free kick saw the reigning champions strike an ominous early blow in the title race, jumping three points ahead of their London rivals.—
Jack Bantock,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
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The Panthers, in turn, went 15-1 and then scorched through the playoffs before falling short in the Super Bowl against the Broncos.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Attendees heard remarks from city leaders and lit candles in honor of Good.—
Andrew Adeolu,
CBS News,
11 Jan. 2026
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Thinking globally and acting locally means electing people of vision, not people who couldn't find their way out of a paper bag without a lobbyist lighting their way under the table, or down the wrong path where for-profit companies rule and teachers are scapegoated for society's failures.—
SHELLEY SMITH SPECIAL TO THE DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE,
Arkansas Online,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The special prosecutor’s team has accused Yoon and his military commanders of ordering a covert drone operation into the North to inflame tensions between the neighbors and justify his martial law decree.—
Reuters 2 hr ago,
CNN Money,
10 Nov. 2025
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Some Senate Republicans are pressing to adjourn next week for the Veterans Day recess if talks stall, a move that could further inflame public anger as paychecks for federal workers again come due.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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After shooting Holmes several times, Taylor allegedly stepped away and then turned around and fired more shots into the victim, who was on the ground, according to the affidavit.—
Shambhavi Rimal,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Jan. 2026
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One team member crawled inside and fired paintballs filled with vegetable oil, wildlife organization BEAR League told Fox News Digital on Thursday.—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ignite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ignite. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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