as in burning
to set (something) on fire
police suspect that the owner torched the house for the insurance money
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Recent Examples of torching
The finale kicks off by immediately torching Tom Ruffage (Rob Corddry) and Carl Bardolph's (Zach Galifianakis) relationship.
—
Matt Cabral, Entertainment Weekly, 1 June 2026
After torching the Cavs in the fourth quarter and overtime of Game 1, Jalen Brunson turned into much more of a facilitator.
—Zach Harper, New York Times, 22 May 2026
Continue reading … LEFT'S CIVIL WAR — 'Pro-capitalist' Fetterman names names, torching fellow Dems as extremists.
—FOXNews.com, 14 May 2026
But Thunder reserve guard Isaiah Joe, who had been relatively quiet after torching the Lakers from long range during the regular season (12 for 17 from 3-point range in their final two matchups), made consecutive 3-pointers to give the Thunder a 90-79 cushion entering the fourth quarter.
—Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 10 May 2026
After torching Atlanta to close out the series, the Knicks blew out the Philadelphia 76ers in Game One of the next round.
—Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 10 May 2026
Underlying tensions are taut, Iran thinks the US blockade is a violation, the UAE is still smarting from Iranian missile attacks Monday and Tuesday, and Israel is torching a key plank of the ceasefire deal, re-escalating in Lebanon by bombing Hezbollah leaders.
—Jennifer Hansler, CNN Money, 7 May 2026
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
Carter, who appeared in only 27 of Sacramento’s first 71 games this season, went 11 of 18 from the field and 6 of 11 from 3-point range, torching a Golden State squad that didn’t want him last summer when the Kings and Warriors discussed a trade for Jonathan Kuminga.
—Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 11 Apr. 2026
Matt Cabral, Entertainment Weekly, 1 June 2026
After torching the Cavs in the fourth quarter and overtime of Game 1, Jalen Brunson turned into much more of a facilitator.
—Zach Harper, New York Times, 22 May 2026
Continue reading … LEFT'S CIVIL WAR — 'Pro-capitalist' Fetterman names names, torching fellow Dems as extremists.
—FOXNews.com, 14 May 2026
But Thunder reserve guard Isaiah Joe, who had been relatively quiet after torching the Lakers from long range during the regular season (12 for 17 from 3-point range in their final two matchups), made consecutive 3-pointers to give the Thunder a 90-79 cushion entering the fourth quarter.
—Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 10 May 2026
After torching Atlanta to close out the series, the Knicks blew out the Philadelphia 76ers in Game One of the next round.
—Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 10 May 2026
Underlying tensions are taut, Iran thinks the US blockade is a violation, the UAE is still smarting from Iranian missile attacks Monday and Tuesday, and Israel is torching a key plank of the ceasefire deal, re-escalating in Lebanon by bombing Hezbollah leaders.
—Jennifer Hansler, CNN Money, 7 May 2026
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
Carter, who appeared in only 27 of Sacramento’s first 71 games this season, went 11 of 18 from the field and 6 of 11 from 3-point range, torching a Golden State squad that didn’t want him last summer when the Kings and Warriors discussed a trade for Jonathan Kuminga.
—Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 11 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for torching
Verb
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Just seconds later, local residents recorded on their cellphones the initial stages of the Eaton fire, burning at the base of the tower, known as M16T1.—
Tony Saavedra,
Daily News,
10 June 2026
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The 24-year-old’s burning desire, elite athleticism, and an electrifying season at Triple-A Albuquerque busted down the big-league door.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
10 June 2026
Verb
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Fans see scorching numbers at Triple-A Albuquerque and clamor for promotions.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
7 June 2026
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Luckily for England, Kane was scorching hot in 2025-26, scoring 61 goals for Bayern Munich across all competitions.—
Justin Birnbaum,
Sportico.com,
4 June 2026
Verb
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Fans were seen climbing onto and attempting to flip over a taxi, igniting fireworks, throwing glass bottles and getting into fights, police allege.—
Ben Brachfeld,
PEOPLE,
12 June 2026
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In that same county, the Grayslake Village Board recently approved a massive data-center complex, igniting a firestorm within the normally quiet exurb.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
12 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Torching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/torching. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
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