as in burning
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 igniting
While thousands were unable to cheer from the sidelines, jubilation reverberated beyond the parade route, igniting a sense of togetherness in the city.
—
Josh Feldman, NBC news, 19 June 2026
The story is set in Miami’s most exclusive neighborhood, where a picture-perfect wife uncovers her husband’s double life – igniting a seductive power game that turns betrayal into the most intoxicating game of her life.
—Justin Kroll, Deadline, 18 June 2026
After weeks of intensifying bombing of Kyiv, Ukraine hit back with a swarm of drones, damaging buildings and igniting an oil refinery.
—Mary Ilyushina, Washington Post, 18 June 2026
June 21 brings forth the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere, igniting a new season and the official start of the astronomical summer.
—Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 18 June 2026
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) said arson investigators arrested a 28-year-old man from Sacramento for allegedly igniting a vegetation fire in Shasta County last week.
—Lyanne Wang, CBS News, 17 June 2026
The hiring comes as Western states are historically dry and on edge, with fast moving wildfires igniting in the last day in and around populated areas such as Spokane, Washington.
—Kirk Siegler, NPR, 17 June 2026
Rio de Janeiro’s Military Fire Department said that one of the helicopters crashed on a car dealership, where several electric vehicles were parked, igniting a fire that was extinguished, the AP reported.
—Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 16 June 2026
One of the helicopters crashed into several electronic vehicles in a car dealership’s parking lot, igniting a fire that was later extinguished, according to local police and fire departments.
—Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 15 June 2026
Josh Feldman, NBC news, 19 June 2026
The story is set in Miami’s most exclusive neighborhood, where a picture-perfect wife uncovers her husband’s double life – igniting a seductive power game that turns betrayal into the most intoxicating game of her life.
—Justin Kroll, Deadline, 18 June 2026
After weeks of intensifying bombing of Kyiv, Ukraine hit back with a swarm of drones, damaging buildings and igniting an oil refinery.
—Mary Ilyushina, Washington Post, 18 June 2026
June 21 brings forth the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere, igniting a new season and the official start of the astronomical summer.
—Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 18 June 2026
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) said arson investigators arrested a 28-year-old man from Sacramento for allegedly igniting a vegetation fire in Shasta County last week.
—Lyanne Wang, CBS News, 17 June 2026
The hiring comes as Western states are historically dry and on edge, with fast moving wildfires igniting in the last day in and around populated areas such as Spokane, Washington.
—Kirk Siegler, NPR, 17 June 2026
Rio de Janeiro’s Military Fire Department said that one of the helicopters crashed on a car dealership, where several electric vehicles were parked, igniting a fire that was extinguished, the AP reported.
—Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 16 June 2026
One of the helicopters crashed into several electronic vehicles in a car dealership’s parking lot, igniting a fire that was later extinguished, according to local police and fire departments.
—Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 15 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for igniting
Verb
-
Video shared by a witness from the scene showed emergency responders attempting to crack open the plane’s windshield as authorities and bystanders assisted several people out of the burning aircraft.—
Diego Mendoza,
CNN Money,
17 June 2026
-
At the same time, that quote and Ruth’s attitude also implies that nothing can be done to extinguish the fire in the perpetually burning building.—
Jen Chaney,
Vulture,
17 June 2026
Verb
-
As with any outdoor activity in New Mexico, prepare for a harsh sun, alternately scorching heat or freezing cold depending on the season–this is desert–and potential dehydration.—
Chadd Scott,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
-
Keeping fans cool When Levi’s Stadium first opened in 2014 as the new 49ers home venue, a lot was made of the sun scorching the eastern grandstands where the majority of seats are.—
Chris Biderman,
Sacbee.com,
13 June 2026
Verb
-
Even minor parks or embers might be carried into leaves or grass, kindling a fire that can swiftly expand.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
9 June 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
-
Setting intentional forest fires and letting other low-severity ones burn can significantly lower the chances of extreme blazes torching those same areas in the future, according to a new study released Thursday, while reducing toxic smoke over time.—
Brianna Sacks,
Washington Post,
11 June 2026
-
The finale kicks off by immediately torching Tom Ruffage (Rob Corddry) and Carl Bardolph's (Zach Galifianakis) relationship.—
Matt Cabral,
Entertainment Weekly,
1 June 2026
Verb
-
Containing Iran’s influence without inflaming a domestic front appears to be the priority.—
Mohammed Sergie,
semafor.com,
15 June 2026
-
Footage of an activist being dragged away from the development went viral, further inflaming public opposition.—
Emmet Lyons,
CBS News,
6 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Igniting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/igniting. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
