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
Finally, two Olympic torches were lit two Olympic cauldrons, in Milan and Cortina, their flames at the center of shape-shifting spheres. Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 7 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 That same rule of thumb goes for any type of flame source, like lighters or torches. Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 26 Jan. 2026 In long-winter states up north, many parks light cross-country and snowshoe trails with torches or electric lights to keep people active outdoors even when workdays begin and end in the dark. Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 9 Jan. 2026 Under the night canopy, the researchers used ultraviolet torches and sensors to uncover the hidden light reflecting off the deer’s territory marks. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 26 Dec. 2025
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
  • That’s because it’s made by heating limestone to high temperatures, a process that burns a large amount of fossil fuels for energy and releases carbon dioxide from the limestone in the process.
    Alcina Johnson Sudagar, The Conversation, 12 Feb. 2026
  • Stationary biking typically burns more calories in a shorter period of time and is easier on the joints.
    RikkiLynn Shields Hannigan, Health, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • The arsonists were never identified.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Tristan, wearing his medal, lights the fire.
    Alice Burton, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2026
  • The sparkling Sun lights your 7th House of Partnership and sextiles healing Chiron in your philosophical 9th house, helping conversations dive deeper than usual.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • After catching Whitney showboating on CNN, Henry fires Jacob, their accountant on the take.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Levi shoves someone just out of the frame, demands to know who threw stones, and later fires a shot, seemingly away from the crowd.
    Sam Metz, Los Angeles Times, 16 Feb. 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
  • Jodie Turner-Smith presented Teyana Taylor with the Vanguard Spotlight Award, which celebrates a trailblazer who ignites the imaginations of cognoscenti and audiences alike.
    Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 12 Feb. 2026
  • This time, his Bride (Buckley) not only comes alive, but also ignites a cultural revolution as the outlaw lovers embark on a cross-country crime spree.
    Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 3 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 22 Feb. 2026.

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