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
What begins as a race to the Moon becomes a mirror of our current, precarious era, just as a new global space race ignites.
—
Brent Lang, Variety, 17 June 2026
Without understanding people’s complex emotions and social responsibilities regarding illness and death, emergency responses overlook a crucial part of how a disease outbreak ignites and spreads.
—Katherine Marshall, STAT, 12 June 2026
Once at altitude, the aircraft releases the rocket, which then ignites its motor to send its payload to space.
—Brett Tingley, Space.com, 12 June 2026
The conversation then ignites a back-and-fourth with several of the women.
—Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 11 June 2026
This is quintessential Alberta—a place where Indigenous traditions breathe life into the land, where artistry ignites the soul, and where prehistoric treasures foster unwavering connections.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
My wish is this column ignites a nationwide awakening.
—Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2026
This foliage and dead thatch ignites very quickly and burns fast.
—Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 21 May 2026
The number of grid fins has been reduced from four to three, and they have been lowered on the vehicle to protect them during hot staging—when the Starship upper stage ignites its engines while still attached to the booster stage.
—ArsTechnica, 18 May 2026
Brent Lang, Variety, 17 June 2026
Without understanding people’s complex emotions and social responsibilities regarding illness and death, emergency responses overlook a crucial part of how a disease outbreak ignites and spreads.
—Katherine Marshall, STAT, 12 June 2026
Once at altitude, the aircraft releases the rocket, which then ignites its motor to send its payload to space.
—Brett Tingley, Space.com, 12 June 2026
The conversation then ignites a back-and-fourth with several of the women.
—Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 11 June 2026
This is quintessential Alberta—a place where Indigenous traditions breathe life into the land, where artistry ignites the soul, and where prehistoric treasures foster unwavering connections.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
My wish is this column ignites a nationwide awakening.
—Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2026
This foliage and dead thatch ignites very quickly and burns fast.
—Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 21 May 2026
The number of grid fins has been reduced from four to three, and they have been lowered on the vehicle to protect them during hot staging—when the Starship upper stage ignites its engines while still attached to the booster stage.
—ArsTechnica, 18 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ignites
Verb
-
The Kyiv Pechersk Lavra burns following a Russian strike overnight.—
Yuliya Talmazan,
NBC news,
15 June 2026
-
At the same time, your body burns fewer calories at rest.—
Ryan Brennan,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 June 2026
Verb
-
Protection from the sun is key for this plant because bright sun scorches its leaves.—
Lauren David,
Southern Living,
4 June 2026
-
The United Kingdom smashed a century-old temperature record for the second time in 24 hours on Tuesday as a spring heat wave scorches parts of Western Europe, triggering government warnings about risks to life.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
26 May 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
-
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
-
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
-
Uruguay's efforts finally yield fruit as Maximiliano Araújo fires home in the 80th minute from close range on the left after Al-Owais made an initial save of a Uruguayan header but left the ball alive in the box.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
16 June 2026
-
Russia fires more than 600 drones at Ukraine Ukraine’s air force said Russia launched 70 missiles and 611 drones overnight, primarily targeting Kyiv, while also striking the cities of Dnipro and Kharkiv.—
Hanna Arhirova,
Los Angeles Times,
15 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ignites.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ignites. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
