Definition of extinguishnext
1
as in to choke
to cause to cease burning the fire in the skillet was quickly extinguished by slamming the lid on

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2
as in to destroy
to bring to a complete end the physical soundness, existence, or usefulness of a fatal blunder that extinguished all hope that the team would actually win the play-offs

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3
as in to shush
to stop the noise or speech of her final, telling point extinguished her opponents on the city council

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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 extinguish The closure was initially reported near Atlantic Boulevard but was later extended south to Commercial Boulevard, approximately 4 miles away, as firefighters worked to extinguish the flames. — Cbs Miami Team, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026 Pyrad works by instantaneously thickening when exposed to fire, forming a char that diminishes heat exposure, extinguishes flames, and decreases the risk of third-degree burns. — Derek Rose, Time, 15 Oct. 2026 Firefighters on March 28 extinguished a fire and found Mendez’s body in a ditch, according to a record that the Express-News reviewed. — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Oct. 2026 The fire has since been extinguished, but the nearby Jardin Madeleine de Scudéry and Square du Temple have been temporarily closed. — Alessia Armenise, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for extinguish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extinguish
Verb
  • Finally, Europe needs the ability to retaliate when China or the United States threatens to choke it.
    — Claas Mertens, Foreign Affairs, 19 Oct. 2026
  • But the real culprit is his failing Iran war, which has choked supply from the Middle East.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 19 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Cities outside Paris have been hit hard by the unrest, including Limoges where a fire nearly destroyed the 19th-century city hall.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Animal diseases also threaten our economy and food system, destroying more than 20% of global livestock production each year.
    — Robert Kelly, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Bass’ barrages got to Raman more than a few times, leading her to talk over the NBC and Telemundo moderators or even shush them.
    — Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
  • They were repeatedly shushed instead as the Nittany Lions (3-3, 0-3) fell to 13-10 in their marquee event after failing to keep pace with a USC offense that averaged nearly eight yards per play through the first three quarters.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • As Telemundo did not take advantage of the breaks, electing instead to keep its cameras trained on the pitch as the players quenched their thirst, Fox enjoyed all the benefits from the new advertising opportunity.
    — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 22 Oct. 2026
  • No matter your skin type, hydration is a must, and Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30 is here to quench, replenish, and protect with broad-spectrum SPF 30.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 7 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Originally designed in 1893 as two side-by-side hotels built by feuding family members, the collective property was demolished in 1929 to make room for the Empire State Building’s construction.
    — Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Plans to either demolish the structure or preserve it were offered by various community groups.
    — Pam DeFiglio, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Freedom eventually left the arena and portrayed the episode as an attempt to silence his views.
    — Victoria Craw, Washington Post, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The level of organization is surprising, but this is a trend of Jews being portrayed in certain ways and trying to be silenced.
    — Lacey Rose, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Wildfires in Indonesia are also the source of widespread haze that’s blanketing much of the region and making Southeast Asian cities such as Singapore and Kuala Lumpur among the world’s most polluted.
    — Jay Ganglani, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • In fall, leaves from a neighboring tree can blanket your yard, and overgrown branches or falling limbs can lead to disputes between property owners.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • One accidental move could ruin the attempt, requiring a correction at best, and a possible restart at worst.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Others have used it to remove oily stains from their toddlers like crayon marks on carpet, and one reviewer says it’s saved many of their clothes from being ruined in a household with unavoidable messes from both kids and pets.
    — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Extinguish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extinguish. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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