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
At night, torches are lit along the deck, and guests dine above the water. Rachel Dube, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026 Since Survivor premiered on May 31, 2000, the tribe has spoken hundreds of times — and only 48 contestants haven't had their torches snuffed. Ale Russian, PEOPLE, 21 May 2026 That move freed up space for not only palm trees, torches, tables, booths and 21 pieces of statuary from Spain, but also a little faux beach with a 4-foot-deep wading pool that can hold a handful of people. Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026 The torches hold 16 ounces of citronella oil each (not included), and provide up to six hours of burn time. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2026 When fully assembled, the torches stand 55 inches tall, which adds both dimension and style to your outdoor space. Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 6 May 2026 After nightfall, a line of torches guided me to dinner along the beach. Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 21 Apr. 2026 When Raphael died, a hundred torches were carried by painters at his funeral, and he was buried in the rotunda of the Pantheon. Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026 Savannah Louie sat on a log, surrounded by tiki torches and silent camera crew members, holding hands with her cast-mates, one on either side. thehustle.co, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
Continue reading … BENCH WARRED — Blanche torches Trump foe Boasberg after appeals court blocks judge again in deportation fight. FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 2026 Hopper cut off a Demogorgon’s head, and Murray torches quite a few. Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 12 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for torches
Verb
  • In the opening minutes of Dutton Ranch, Beth and Rip are blissfully happy on their new Montana ranch — until a wildfire breaks out and burns their entire property to the ground.
    Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
  • Kristen finds her way back to her natural vivacity, but the brightness burns differently.
    Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026
Noun
  • Since late March, attackers have randomly stabbed two Jewish men, and arsonists have attacked three synagogues, an educational building, and four charity ambulances in the United Kingdom.
    David Frum, The Atlantic, 21 May 2026
  • Spate of attacks In March, arsonists set fire to four ambulances belonging to a Jewish charity, also in Golders Green.
    Jomana Karadsheh, CNN Money, 1 May 2026
Verb
  • Parallel Tales has Farhadi’s characteristic polish and DP Guillaume Deffontaines, who has worked frequently with Bruno Dumont, lights the interiors beautifully, lending subtle golden tones to the fiction scenes.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2026
  • In fossil fuel extraction zones — the Permian Basin in Texas, the Bakken fields of North Dakota, oil regions across the Middle East — lights flicker violently in sync with drilling booms and busts, bearing little relation to broader economic trends.
    Bree Shirvell, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2026
Verb
  • Only the United States, a few NATO allies, Russia and Iran are believed to have this kind of high-speed torpedo, which fires air ahead of the weapon to reduce the drag of the water.
    Pau Mosquera, CNN Money, 12 May 2026
  • Hollis fires and Schultz fires his weapon a dozen times.
    Jason Rantala, CBS News, 11 May 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
  • As their relationship re-ignites, Alex’s growing bond with Maxy forces a deadly choice between maternal instinct and romantic obsession.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 12 May 2026
  • The maternal energy of the flower ignites Cancer's emotions.
    Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • Tucson will also be at or near record temperatures through March 27 as the state’s unprecedented heat wave scorches on, the weather service said.
    Ray Stern, AZCentral.com, 25 Mar. 2026
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Torches.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/torches. Accessed 24 May. 2026.

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