as in burning
to set (something) on fire
tried using newspapers as kindling to ignite the logs in the fireplace
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Recent Examples of igniting
The man is believed to have fired emergency flares to signal for help, potentially igniting dry vegetation and sparking the wildfire.
—
Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 20 May 2026
Andrew Alan Lewis Mathews, 43, is accused of pouring gas on the victim and intentionally igniting it, the Greensboro Police Department says.
—Mark Price
may 20, Charlotte Observer, 20 May 2026
As covert wars collide across Tehran and the rainforests of Africa, every move risks igniting a global firestorm.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 19 May 2026
Since igniting, the fire has also destroyed at least two historic structures on the island, which is one of five islands located as part of the Channel Islands National Park.
—Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 19 May 2026
The flames burned at least one home and another structure after igniting Monday morning.
—Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026
Like sparks igniting, the result is a piece that feels alive with energy rather than a dowdy relic of the past.
—Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 17 May 2026
In 1985, a confrontation between Philadelphia authorities and the radical group MOVE ended as a police helicopter dropped two bombs onto the group’s row house, igniting a fire that killed 11 people (including five children) and destroyed 61 homes.
—Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2026
Continue reading … JET SWEAT SET — Marco Rubio spotted in Nike tracksuit aboard Air Force One during trip to China, igniting memes online.
—FOXNews.com, 13 May 2026
Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 20 May 2026
Andrew Alan Lewis Mathews, 43, is accused of pouring gas on the victim and intentionally igniting it, the Greensboro Police Department says.
—Mark Price
may 20, Charlotte Observer, 20 May 2026
As covert wars collide across Tehran and the rainforests of Africa, every move risks igniting a global firestorm.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 19 May 2026
Since igniting, the fire has also destroyed at least two historic structures on the island, which is one of five islands located as part of the Channel Islands National Park.
—Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 19 May 2026
The flames burned at least one home and another structure after igniting Monday morning.
—Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026
Like sparks igniting, the result is a piece that feels alive with energy rather than a dowdy relic of the past.
—Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 17 May 2026
In 1985, a confrontation between Philadelphia authorities and the radical group MOVE ended as a police helicopter dropped two bombs onto the group’s row house, igniting a fire that killed 11 people (including five children) and destroyed 61 homes.
—Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2026
Continue reading … JET SWEAT SET — Marco Rubio spotted in Nike tracksuit aboard Air Force One during trip to China, igniting memes online.
—FOXNews.com, 13 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for igniting
Verb
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News agencies ran photographs of individuals burning piles of documents both inside the prison and in its grounds, sometimes simply to warm themselves against the cold weather, unaware of their value.—
Amer Matar,
The Dial,
26 May 2026
-
Industrial heat typically involves generating steam or high-temperature output—ranging from roughly 100°C to 500°C—by burning fossil fuels on-site.—
Ken Silverstein,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
Verb
-
Linen pants have specifically become my go-to summer wardrobe staple, especially for scorching New York City weather.—
Madeline Merinuk,
PEOPLE,
21 May 2026
-
The commencement was held on a day with scorching heat and there was little shade available as the crowd waited for the ceremony to begin.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
20 May 2026
Verb
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Even minor parks or embers might be carried into leaves or grass, kindling a fire that can swiftly expand.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
25 May 2026
-
Refrain from kindling fires with debris or any other materials during an air quality alert.—
Southern California Weather Report,
Daily News,
19 May 2026
Verb
-
After torching the Cavs in the fourth quarter and overtime of Game 1, Jalen Brunson turned into much more of a facilitator.—
Zach Harper,
New York Times,
22 May 2026
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Continue reading … LEFT'S CIVIL WAR — 'Pro-capitalist' Fetterman names names, torching fellow Dems as extremists.—
,
FOXNews.com,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
Since the party rose to power in 2014, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the helm, critics have accused it of stifling civil liberties and the press, pursuing a Hindu-first agenda, and inflaming religious divisions within India’s secular democracy.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
22 May 2026
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Unfortunately, Lace delivers a kick that knocks Jinx on his back, inflaming an old injury.—
Dessi Gomez,
Deadline,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Igniting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/igniting. Accessed 30 May. 2026.
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