as in burns
to set (something) on fire
tried using newspapers as kindling to ignite the logs in the fireplace
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 ignites
But the same storm that ignites Ivy’s career as a successful restaurateur sinks Theo’s tenure as an architect and causes his breathtaking (albeit not entirely sound) maritime museum to crumble.
—
Erin Jensen, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025
And yet, his return to Denver still ignites wonder.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 14 Aug. 2025
That combination builds psychological safety, ignites creative, grows loyalty, and creates teams that follow you because they’re inspired, not obligated.
—Jason Walker Psyd, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
The back-and-forth re-ignites a debate that began several years ago.
—Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Aug. 2025
When used purposefully, controversy attracts attention to your cause and ignites important conversations.
—Jay Ruderman, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2025
The hit show returns with its sixth and final season on April 8, and audiences should brace for an explosive finale as the rebellion in Gilead finally ignites.
—Abigail Lee, Variety, 5 Apr. 2025
When the core crosses a precise mass threshold, the helium ignites, giving such stars the same intrinsic luminosity.
—Anil Ananthaswamy, Scientific American, 1 Apr. 2025
The combination of strong winds, extremely low humidity, and critically dry fuels creates conditions where any fire that ignites could spread rapidly and become difficult to control.
—Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2025
Erin Jensen, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025
And yet, his return to Denver still ignites wonder.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 14 Aug. 2025
That combination builds psychological safety, ignites creative, grows loyalty, and creates teams that follow you because they’re inspired, not obligated.
—Jason Walker Psyd, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
The back-and-forth re-ignites a debate that began several years ago.
—Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Aug. 2025
When used purposefully, controversy attracts attention to your cause and ignites important conversations.
—Jay Ruderman, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2025
The hit show returns with its sixth and final season on April 8, and audiences should brace for an explosive finale as the rebellion in Gilead finally ignites.
—Abigail Lee, Variety, 5 Apr. 2025
When the core crosses a precise mass threshold, the helium ignites, giving such stars the same intrinsic luminosity.
—Anil Ananthaswamy, Scientific American, 1 Apr. 2025
The combination of strong winds, extremely low humidity, and critically dry fuels creates conditions where any fire that ignites could spread rapidly and become difficult to control.
—Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ignites
Verb
-
The spark becomes a blaze, and trust between citizens and the military burns with it.—
Eric Chastain,
Twin Cities,
7 Sep. 2025
-
As a guy who is simply not built for summer (sweaty, burns easily, refuses to wear shorts), the turning of the calendar to September adds a little lead to my tread, with visions of cider and sweaters dancing in my head.—
James Folta,
Literary Hub,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The shingles vaccine is up to 97% effective in preventing the condition caused by the herpes zoster virus, which inflames nerves and causes painful rashes.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
28 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The star of Big Little Lies confessed her new film, Caught Stealing, kindles a powerful yearning for some aspects of the era.—
Ryan Coleman,
EW.com,
1 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ignites.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ignites. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share