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
Over a whirlwind night, Audrey and Hubert risk their respective careers to help one another, igniting the start of a legendary forty-year creative partnership.
—
Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 1 May 2026
Four times in the decisive fourth inning, Birmingham hitters hit outside pitches to right field for base hits, igniting a four-run inning and leading to a 10-2 victory, pulling the Patriots into a first-place tie with El Camino Real in the West Valley League going a Friday game at Birmingham.
—Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
Once fired, Blogoslawski filed a request to begin collecting her pension, igniting an effort by the Sanchez administration to determine whether the MOU signed by Stewart is binding.
—Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 30 Apr. 2026
This anger crackles around him like a smoldering fire, igniting and engulfing everyone from the workers on his farm, his meek sister Férula (Fernanda Castillo), to Clara and, eventually, to their daughter, Blanca (Sara Becker and later Fernanda Urrejola), Alba’s idealistic mother.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026
Flores also poured a liquid on the flames, igniting them further.
—Julie Sharp, CBS News, 29 Apr. 2026
The Crozier hit was a clear momentum changer, igniting the Tampa bench.
—Arpon Basu, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
The core of the mystery centers on at least 10 individuals allegedly connected to key nuclear and aerospace research who have died or disappeared, igniting widespread online speculation about potential sinister activity.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 25 Apr. 2026
People living in areas with red flag warnings are asked to take extra precautions to avoid accidentally igniting a fire.
—Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 23 Apr. 2026
Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 1 May 2026
Four times in the decisive fourth inning, Birmingham hitters hit outside pitches to right field for base hits, igniting a four-run inning and leading to a 10-2 victory, pulling the Patriots into a first-place tie with El Camino Real in the West Valley League going a Friday game at Birmingham.
—Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
Once fired, Blogoslawski filed a request to begin collecting her pension, igniting an effort by the Sanchez administration to determine whether the MOU signed by Stewart is binding.
—Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 30 Apr. 2026
This anger crackles around him like a smoldering fire, igniting and engulfing everyone from the workers on his farm, his meek sister Férula (Fernanda Castillo), to Clara and, eventually, to their daughter, Blanca (Sara Becker and later Fernanda Urrejola), Alba’s idealistic mother.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026
Flores also poured a liquid on the flames, igniting them further.
—Julie Sharp, CBS News, 29 Apr. 2026
The Crozier hit was a clear momentum changer, igniting the Tampa bench.
—Arpon Basu, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
The core of the mystery centers on at least 10 individuals allegedly connected to key nuclear and aerospace research who have died or disappeared, igniting widespread online speculation about potential sinister activity.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 25 Apr. 2026
People living in areas with red flag warnings are asked to take extra precautions to avoid accidentally igniting a fire.
—Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 23 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for igniting
Verb
-
Maps show where the wildfires are burning across Florida and Georgia.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
-
The video shows stunned drivers making a break for it after the firework went off, even though 77 was still partially burning.—
Joe Bruno,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Wear the machine-washable, wrinkle-resistant ensemble for your next cruise, tropical vacation, or scorching summer spent in the city.—
Mia Huelsbeck,
PEOPLE,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Giving them protection from the afternoon sun protects sensitive foliage from scorching.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Rather than have their payroll and egos be kindling for clubhouse dysfunction, the Dodgers have found a formula to keep their winning ways going.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
25 Mar. 2026
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Even minor parks or embers might be carried into leaves or grass, kindling a fire that can swiftly expand.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
21 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The issue seemed minute on Monday, with Brunson torching the 76ers en route to an eight-point advantage at the end of the first period.—
Fiifi Frimpong,
New York Daily News,
5 May 2026
-
But what happens if the Epstein-files story razes the entire forest, torching whatever trust is left in the political establishment, the Democratic Party very much included?—
Jon Allsop,
New Yorker,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Unfortunately, Lace delivers a kick that knocks Jinx on his back, inflaming an old injury.—
Dessi Gomez,
Deadline,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Trump’s decision to send ICE agents to the airports risks inflaming the situation, lawmakers have said.—
Kevin Freking,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Igniting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/igniting. Accessed 5 May. 2026.
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