torch 1 of 2

as in igniter
a person who deliberately and unlawfully sets fire to a building or other property several suspicious fires in the past few months have probably been set by the same torch

Synonyms & Similar Words

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torch

2 of 2

verb

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 torch
Noun
Her ballads were torch-song interludes that could have knocked them dead in lounges a century ago. Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2025 The entrance to the presentation was decorated to look as if attendees were emerging from a 20-foot dress of a model positioned on a higher floor holding a shimmering torch and wearing a crown a la the Statue of Liberty. Anika Reed, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025
Verb
At the time, Stewart backed Colbert, joining a chorus of voices torching CBS. Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 19 Sep. 2025 Manchin’s media appearances to promote his book have already made headlines with quintessential blunt talk about his snub of former Vice President Kamala Harris and willingness to torch his old party. Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 18 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for torch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for torch
Noun
  • Turns out the oven has a weak igniter that can be replaced for $300.
    R29 Team, Refinery29, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Part of the reason the Brewers had more opportunities was that their defenders killed one potential rally igniter after another.
    Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Solana Fire has been burning on private land.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 21 Sep. 2025
  • This shifts emissions from burning fuel on-site to the electricity supply—meaning an EAF running on renewables can cut CO₂ dramatically.
    Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 21 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • His sudden millions have absolutely nothing to do with her career as a leading national racial arsonist.
    Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Days later, arsonists returned to burn what was left of Chinatown.
    Beth Lew-Williams, New Yorker, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • There’s something so special about those simple joys — putting on a big cozy jacket, lighting the fireplace, and just settling in together as a family.
    Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Another member of the cast, Teyana Taylor, who was married to former Kings player Iman Shumpert from 2016 to 2024, attended multiple Kings games while the film was in-production and lit the beam after a win.
    Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In video released by police, the firebug could be seen setting fire to a small pile of trash next to the head of a sleeping passenger stretched out on the seat.
    Elizabeth Keogh, New York Daily News, 12 Feb. 2025
  • Two men have been charged with felony arson in Los Angeles in unrelated cases as authorities combat firebugs, looters and multiple raging blazes in Southern California.
    Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 15 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • In the aftermath of his killing, many on the right, including the President, have responded by promising a crackdown on the left, igniting debates on political violence and free speech.
    Rebecca Schneid, Time, 22 Sep. 2025
  • His posts ignited a bitter MAGA feud, unleashing vitriolic and often racist attacks on H-1B immigrants — particularly Indians, who make up 71% of visa holders.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 22 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Other agencies affected by the DOGE firing spree have also had to reverse course and rehire workers.
    Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Officials said evidence collected at the location confirmed that multiple gunshots were fired.
    Michelle Cruz, AZCentral.com, 24 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Hearing his wife recall painful memories due to the family feud kindled a recent memory for Todd, too — an angry one.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Science builds on prior insights, and a handy repository of past advances serves as kindling for future discoveries.
    Evan Bush, NBC news, 15 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Torch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/torch. Accessed 28 Sep. 2025.

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