as in burns
to set (something) on fire
tried using newspapers as kindling to ignite the logs in the fireplace
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Recent Examples of ignites
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
The maternal energy of the flower ignites Cancer's emotions.
—Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026
Maris re-ignites a relationship with Alex, a devoted old flame whose growing love for Maxy forces her to make a deadly choice.
—Alex Ritman, Variety, 7 May 2026
Lindsay jokes that Kyle lost his wedding ring but found a DJ career, which lights the long fuse that ignites the whole evening.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 6 May 2026
But when Tiffany gets pregnant with her first child and Carolyn simultaneously sells an essay to The New Yorker, mutual jealousy ignites.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
The pilot light is a small flame that ignites the burner to heat the water in the tank.
—Katie Cloyd, Martha Stewart, 21 Apr. 2026
Like an enzyme that works as a catalyst to speed up a chemical reaction, collaboration ignites new ideas for conjectures.
—Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2026
What begins as a shocking revelation ignites a fierce father-son rivalry fueled by power, ambition, and betrayal — with the global arms trade hanging in the balance.
—Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Apr. 2026
Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 12 May 2026
The maternal energy of the flower ignites Cancer's emotions.
—Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026
Maris re-ignites a relationship with Alex, a devoted old flame whose growing love for Maxy forces her to make a deadly choice.
—Alex Ritman, Variety, 7 May 2026
Lindsay jokes that Kyle lost his wedding ring but found a DJ career, which lights the long fuse that ignites the whole evening.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 6 May 2026
But when Tiffany gets pregnant with her first child and Carolyn simultaneously sells an essay to The New Yorker, mutual jealousy ignites.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
The pilot light is a small flame that ignites the burner to heat the water in the tank.
—Katie Cloyd, Martha Stewart, 21 Apr. 2026
Like an enzyme that works as a catalyst to speed up a chemical reaction, collaboration ignites new ideas for conjectures.
—Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2026
What begins as a shocking revelation ignites a fierce father-son rivalry fueled by power, ambition, and betrayal — with the global arms trade hanging in the balance.
—Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ignites
Verb
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In the opening minutes of Dutton Ranch, Beth and Rip are blissfully happy on their new Montana ranch — until a wildfire breaks out and burns their entire property to the ground.—
Samantha Stutsman,
PEOPLE,
15 May 2026
-
Kristen finds her way back to her natural vivacity, but the brightness burns differently.—
Sheri Linden,
HollywoodReporter,
13 May 2026
Verb
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Tucson will also be at or near record temperatures through March 27 as the state’s unprecedented heat wave scorches on, the weather service said.—
Ray Stern,
AZCentral.com,
25 Mar. 2026
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As the world around them scorches under record heat, a family walks into the woods, asking what the future holds in this thermal dystopia.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Asthma is a chronic condition that inflames the airways and can make breathing difficult.—
Sanja Jelic,
Verywell Health,
29 Apr. 2026
-
The episode inflames the diplomatic spat between the two countries that began over Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s comments about Taiwan.—
J.D. Capelouto,
semafor.com,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
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While Martin Scorsese called it one of the scariest movies of all time, The Uninvited kindles a wonderful romance between Rick and Stella.—
Steven Thrash,
Entertainment Weekly,
25 Oct. 2025
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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
Verb
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Only the United States, a few NATO allies, Russia and Iran are believed to have this kind of high-speed torpedo, which fires air ahead of the weapon to reduce the drag of the water.—
Pau Mosquera,
CNN Money,
12 May 2026
-
Hollis fires and Schultz fires his weapon a dozen times.—
Jason Rantala,
CBS News,
11 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ignites.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ignites. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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