ignite

verb

ig-ˈnīt How to pronounce ignite (audio)
Definition of ignitenext
as in to burn
to set (something) on fire tried using newspapers as kindling to ignite the logs in the fireplace

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Third-string tailback London Montgomery’s 74-yard kickoff return in the third quarter set up a touchdown, while a 41-yarder earlier ignited the scoring drive ending with Clark’s long run. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Sep. 2026 With his business up and running, an unexpected spark ignites his love life. — Denise Petski, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2026 When Russia invaded its far smaller neighbor in February 2022, igniting Europe’s deadliest war in generations, he was galvanized. — Vivienne Walt, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2026 Dolly Parton’s tragic passing has ignited a serious war between her family and estate. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 23 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ignite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ignite
  1. burn
  2. scorch
  3. light
  4. inflame
  5. fire
Verb
  • This photograph shows a fire burning at the Dobrobut medical centre following a Russian aerial attack on Kyiv on 28 September 2026, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
    — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Continue reading … CHIPS OFF THE TABLE — Former Obama aide says Democratic donors still feel burned, cautious after 2024.
    — , FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of burn
Verb
  • Check between presses to avoid overheating or scorching the fabric.
    — Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Keep in mind that heat still radiates from the bulb, so the lamp should sit on a stable surface away from paper, fabric or anything else that could scorch.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of scorch
Verb
  • The room is dimly lighted but for yellow and red string lights that produce radiant, shimmying splotches on the concrete floor.
    — Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026
  • UCHealth recommends removing clutter and cords and keeping hallways well lit as simple starting points that don’t require any construction.
    — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of light
Verb
  • The incident could further inflame tensions between the Koreas, which have no working military hotlines or other emergency communications channels as North Korea hardens its stance toward Seoul while expanding its military nuclear program.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The Hugging Face incident was a high-profile breach that inflamed the safety concerns about AI, which were followed by similar actions involving OpenAI’s models including breaching an Australian health department website.
    — Kelvin Chan, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of inflame
Verb
  • The Daily Dividend Former Disney CEO Bob Chapek has stayed largely quiet about his 2022 firing from the entertainment giant.
    — Alex Harring, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026
  • In an unprecedented July operation, a Ukrainian sea drone delivered a ground drone that then fired on Russian positions.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of fire

Browse Nearby Words

ignitable
ignite
ignited
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ignite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ignite. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.

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