torches 1 of 2

Definition of torchesnext
plural of torch
as in igniters
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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torches

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of torch

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 torches
Noun
The men rushed him with the torches repeatedly but could not drive him farther than the edge of the thick brush. Doris Decleene, Outdoor Life, 25 Feb. 2026 In March, the old town of Akre is the centre of Kurdish Newroz festivities, when hundreds of people carry flaming torches up the hillside in a boisterous, joyous celebration of the New Year. Nicola Chilton, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Feb. 2026 In 2012, Ripa and executive producer Michael Gelman consumed copious amounts of alcohol and went night skiing with torches. Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 20 Feb. 2026 Across the island of Sumatra, after evening prayers, many boys and girls parade through the streets, carrying torches and playing Islamic songs. Mariam Fam, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026 Our picks for the best solar lawn lights that stay on all night include solar globe lights, in-ground lights, lanterns, and even torches. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Feb. 2026 In addition to skipping out on their hotel bill, the hikers also took with them the gear the rescue team lent them to safely return down the mountain, including two head torches, according to the organization, who said their own attempts to contact the men were also unsuccessful. Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 1 Feb. 2026 The stars are going to be carrying the Olympic torches. Ben Smith, semafor.com, 31 Jan. 2026 From presenting at the Golden Globes to bearing the Olympic torches, Storrie and co-star Hudson Williams are the It Hollywood boys of the moment. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 28 Jan. 2026
Verb
Hopper cut off a Demogorgon’s head, and Murray torches quite a few. Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 12 Nov. 2025 Continue reading … IN OTHER NEWS SWEET REVENGE – Aaron Rodgers torches former Jets team with 4 touchdowns in Steelers debut victory. FOXNews.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for torches
Verb
  • If Sunday was any indication, the love affair between Avs fans and Kadri burns as hot as ever.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 9 Mar. 2026
  • The white phosphorus then ignites and burns intensely, destroying the agents by incinerating them – a method meant to reduce the risk of spreading the materials and to limit potential harm to civilians and the surrounding environment.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 8 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The state of Maryland is burning at the hands of political arsonists, and the Maryland Freedom Caucus continues to criticize the color of the few fire trucks Maryland Republicans are deploying to contain the disaster.
    Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 25 Feb. 2026
  • In May, arsonists incinerated an 860,000-square-foot megamall in Warsaw; an investigation found the blaze was ordered by the GRU.
    The Week US, TheWeek, 17 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • In all areas of life, optimism lights the spark, while discipline keeps the fire burning.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 3 Mar. 2026
  • Traditional camping lights that rely on PIR suffer from the same faults that annoy homeowners whose security lights blaze into action at two in the morning when a cat saunters past their garage.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 26 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • If a minor fires the gun and inflicts harm on themselves or another individual, the person who failed to store the gun properly could face a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a maximum fine of $7,500, or both.
    Paula Wethington, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Magnano then fires nine shots toward Jones, Jones immediately collapses to the ground as people in the area could be heard letting out horrific screams and cries.
    Kellie Love, Hartford Courant, 3 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
  • But like the spark that ignites a giant bonfire, that battle was the beginning of something new.
    Sayantani DasGupta February 24, Literary Hub, 24 Feb. 2026
  • Please avoid any activities that may cause a spark or a flame; any flame that ignites has the potential of spreading rapidly.
    Michael Autovino, CBS News, 24 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • As the world around them scorches under record heat, a family walks into the woods, asking what the future holds in this thermal dystopia.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 14 Jan. 2026
  • That’s the difference between fury that scorches everything in sight and anger that fuels justice.
    Marc Brackett, Time, 28 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Torches.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/torches. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.

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