as in blazes
a fire in a wild area (such as a forest) that is not controlled and that can burn a large area very quickly
The recent wildfires were made worse by the strong winds.
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Recent Examples of wildfires
The new findings add to concerns about the toxic fallout left behind by the most destructive wildfires in Southern California’s recent history.
—
Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
Until just a few years ago, my wife and I didn’t have air conditioning, but smoke from wildfires combined with hot temperatures prompted us to install a heat pump with split units in our living room, bedroom and guest room to keep our home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
—Larry Magid, Mercury News, 4 June 2026
For more than a decade, the United States dramatically reduced its national smog levels, but since 2015 smoke from increasingly larger wildfires is reversing that clean-up trend and making the air dirtier and deadlier, a new study finds.
—ABC News, 4 June 2026
Late April through early June is historically the worst time of year for wildfires in Michigan, state officials said.
—Paula Wethington, CBS News, 4 June 2026
The race, which has attracted more attention and money than usual, comes amid concerns over last year’s wildfires that erupted in the Los Angeles area, and led to higher insurance premiums for homeowners throughout the state.
—Pat Maio, Oc Register, 3 June 2026
There have also been several large, destructive wildfires in that time period.
—Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2026
The wildfires of rumour, once lit, are nigh impossible to extinguish.
—Literary Hub, 28 May 2026
Pratt and his reality TV star wife Heidi Montag lost a home in the devastating wildfires.
—Marc Malkin, Variety, 26 May 2026
Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
Until just a few years ago, my wife and I didn’t have air conditioning, but smoke from wildfires combined with hot temperatures prompted us to install a heat pump with split units in our living room, bedroom and guest room to keep our home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
—Larry Magid, Mercury News, 4 June 2026
For more than a decade, the United States dramatically reduced its national smog levels, but since 2015 smoke from increasingly larger wildfires is reversing that clean-up trend and making the air dirtier and deadlier, a new study finds.
—ABC News, 4 June 2026
Late April through early June is historically the worst time of year for wildfires in Michigan, state officials said.
—Paula Wethington, CBS News, 4 June 2026
The race, which has attracted more attention and money than usual, comes amid concerns over last year’s wildfires that erupted in the Los Angeles area, and led to higher insurance premiums for homeowners throughout the state.
—Pat Maio, Oc Register, 3 June 2026
There have also been several large, destructive wildfires in that time period.
—Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2026
The wildfires of rumour, once lit, are nigh impossible to extinguish.
—Literary Hub, 28 May 2026
Pratt and his reality TV star wife Heidi Montag lost a home in the devastating wildfires.
—Marc Malkin, Variety, 26 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wildfires
Noun
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The actor, who evacuated during the Palisades Fire, previously slammed the mayor for leaving the country on a trip to Ghana as the blazes erupted.—
Ashley Hume,
FOXNews.com,
27 May 2026
-
Opa-locka is grappling with a serious public safety issue as large junk yard fires continue to plague the area, with at least five blazes erupting over the past five years.—
Abby Dodge,
CBS News,
26 May 2026
Noun
-
Now, infernos sweep through populous towns and cities.—
Susie Neilson,
San Francisco Chronicle,
2 July 2025
Noun
-
That’s where the whole family can take a dip in the Pacific Ocean, rent paddleboards and kayaks, take surfing lessons, and enjoy seasonal beach bonfires complete with gourmet s’mores kits.—
Beth Luberecki,
USA Today,
23 May 2026
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Boyne Mountain Resort, Boyne Falls Summer brings swimmers, bikers, and other outdoors enthusiasts to this popular four-season resort; in winter, ski lifts transform into scenic rides, and families enjoy Saturday night bonfires with s'mores.—
Jess Hoffert,
Midwest Living,
9 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Wildfires.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wildfires. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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