IGNITE Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

ignite

verb

ig-ˈnīt

Definition of ignite

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

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 Strijd’s posts struck a chord online, and ignited interest in the show that did not appear nearly as fervent over the past few weeks. — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 16 Oct. 2026 If a wildfire does ignite, smoke may increase heat and physical stress. — Chelsea Hylton, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 That threat has ignited debate in South Africa, where many people, including President Cyril Ramaphosa, believe that Black empowerment policies need to be revised. — John Eligon, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2026 Another wildfire to the south has burned more than 3,000 acres near the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton since igniting Thursday afternoon, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). — Eduardo Cuevas, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ignite

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ignite

Verb

Neurons are closer to Formula One race cars than to family sedans, burning fuel at a furious rate and threatening to blow up at any moment.

— Rowan Jacobsen, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
Wall Street analysts are trying to discern whether Big Tech will continue to burn cash or not.

— John Towfighi, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of burn

Verb

The Norte fire — the most devastating blaze — scorched more than 570 acres in residential neighborhoods in San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano, damaging or destroying at least six homes.

— Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
That was the update last week at a meeting of the Venus Exploration Analysis Group (VEXAG), a confab of scientists whose research interests focus on the scorching world just sunward from Earth.

— Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of scorch

Verb

The first practical transformer was switched on about 15 miles down the road, in 1886, when William Stanley lit stores and offices lining Great Barrington’s Main Street.

— Alex Pasternack, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
Taking a shower, changing your clothes or lighting a candle after work can also create a transition.

— Melody Wilding, Contributor, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of light

Verb

However, with the public already discontented over elevated living costs and deteriorating public services, such measures risk further inflaming social tensions.

— , CNBC, 20 Oct. 2026
But the eleventh-hour blitz of No On 3 ads that Keep Florida Clean funded, warning of the greed of Big Weed, inflamed voters’ private worries of societal decay.

— Christopher Spata, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of inflame

Verb

Martin Zummach, an attorney who represents the officer who fired the shot that killed Kohen, says the attorney general's findings cleared his client of criminal wrongdoing.

— SOPHIE BATES, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026
As neurons fire furiously over the course of the day, ROS can accumulate.

— Rowan Jacobsen, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of fire

Browse Nearby Words

ignitable

ignite

ignited

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“Ignite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ignite. Accessed 23 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of ignite

verb

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