IGNITE Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

ignite

verb

ig-ˈnīt

Definition of ignite

as in to burn

to set (something) on fire tried using newspapers as kindling to ignite the logs in the fireplace

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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 ignite The painting itself even ignites uncertainty among art historians. — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 22 Oct. 2026 In June 2024, two major fires ignited, and monsoon rains soon followed. — Abe Streep, ProPublica, 21 Oct. 2026 In modern nuclear weapons, conventional explosives set off a fission reaction—the splitting of big atoms—whose intensity then ignites a fusion reaction that combines light atoms. — Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026 Juba, South SudanAP — A drone strike on a market in Abyei, a border region disputed by Sudan and South Sudan, hit a nearby fuel depot, killing at least 153 people and igniting a fire that was still burning Tuesday, a local official said. — CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ignite

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ignite

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

Unprecedented high temperatures scorched the continent from late May until the end of August this year.

— Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2026
Its advanced technology generates precise light pulses that cut through delicate materials such as computer chips and human tissue without scorching surrounding tissue.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of scorch

Verb

Swap the throw pillows, drape a blanket over worn spots, add a slipcover or washable topper and change out the rug, curtains or lighting around it.

— Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 23 Oct. 2026
In practice, hygge can mean curling up with a book and a hot drink, lighting candles for a quiet dinner, gathering friends for a fireside chat without screens or bundling up for a walk in the snow.

— Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of light

Verb

However, with the public already discontented over elevated living costs and deteriorating public services, such measures risk further inflaming social tensions.

— , CNBC, 20 Oct. 2026
But the eleventh-hour blitz of No On 3 ads that Keep Florida Clean funded, warning of the greed of Big Weed, inflamed voters’ private worries of societal decay.

— Christopher Spata, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of inflame

Verb

Less than two weeks after the mines exploded, the North fired an intermediate-range ballistic missile more than 700 kilometers.

— Dan Blumenthal, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
Shattered glass littered sidewalks after rioters smashed and looted thousands of shops, torched cars and buildings, and attacked police, who fired tear gas and water cannons.

— The Week US, TheWeek, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of fire

Browse Nearby Words

ignitable

ignite

ignited

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

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Synonyms of ignite

verb

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