Thesaurus results for COMBUST

combust

verb

kəm-ˈbəst

Definition of combust

as in to burn

to be on fire especially brightly anthracite, which is naturally hard, combusts more cleanly than bituminous coal

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 combust The big-picture difference on Monday was that San Antonio’s offense finally showed up, and, in particular, that the Spurs didn’t combust with atrocious decisions in transition. — John Hollinger, New York Times, 10 June 2026 Watch party or not, the whole city might combust if the Knicks win an NBA Championship. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 May 2026 But the Cuyahoga River combusting due to pollutants from corporate dumping was one of the keystone events in the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency. — Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026 At this spot, several hundred feet above the 101 Freeway between La Conchita and Rincon Point, the area has also spontaneously combusted during ground shifts, according to previous reporting from The Times. — Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for combust

Recent Examples of Synonyms for combust

Verb

Neurons are closer to Formula One race cars than to family sedans, burning fuel at a furious rate and threatening to blow up at any moment.

— Rowan Jacobsen, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
Wall Street analysts are trying to discern whether Big Tech will continue to burn cash or not.

— John Towfighi, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of burn

Verb

At night, the Sycamore trees glow with lantern light, inviting guests to indulge in late night cocktails and conversation.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
With glowing bats, spiders and eyes, the lights accent the historic home with just the right touch.

— Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of glow

Verb

That’s especially true in the Southeast, where there’s no shortage of uniquely thrilling opening acts from Chief Osceola and his flaming spear at Florida State to the eagle’s pre-game lap around Jordan Hare Stadium at Auburn.

— Elizabeth Hutchison Hicklin, Southern Living, 21 Oct. 2026
The flaming tower is part of a component most often known in Russian by the acronym ELOU-AVT, shorthand for an Electric Desalting and Atmospheric-Vacuum Distillation Unit.

— Jarrett Ley, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of flame

Browse Nearby Words

combs (out)

combust

combusted

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Style

“Combust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combust. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of combust

verb

Example Sentences

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