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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Recent Examples of ignite
Investigators believe a large quantity of fireworks ignited, prompting an explosion during 4th of July celebrations Saturday night in Chino, about 35 miles east of Los Angeles, Chino police said.
—
Emily Shapiro,
ABC News,
6 July 2026
Deputy State Fire Marshals suspect the fireworks may have ignited flammable items that were inside the trash can, ultimately sparking the fire, per the press release.
—
Angelique Brenes,
PEOPLE,
6 July 2026
During the Second Industrial Revolution, abundant coal under those hills ignited a tug-of-war between Germany and France.
—
Jeff Chu,
Travel + Leisure,
6 July 2026
Breaking the curse These results have ignited the hopes of millions of Mexicans, many of whom weren’t even born the last time the nation reached the quarterfinals.
—
Carlos Rodriguez,
Chicago Tribune,
5 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for ignite
Emily Shapiro,
ABC News,
6 July 2026
Deputy State Fire Marshals suspect the fireworks may have ignited flammable items that were inside the trash can, ultimately sparking the fire, per the press release.
—
Angelique Brenes,
PEOPLE,
6 July 2026
During the Second Industrial Revolution, abundant coal under those hills ignited a tug-of-war between Germany and France.
—
Jeff Chu,
Travel + Leisure,
6 July 2026
Breaking the curse These results have ignited the hopes of millions of Mexicans, many of whom weren’t even born the last time the nation reached the quarterfinals.
—
Carlos Rodriguez,
Chicago Tribune,
5 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for ignite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ignite
Verb
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According to Smith, citizens of East Florida even burned the leaders behind the Declaration of Independence in effigy.
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For decades, oceans have acted as the planet’s main heat sink, absorbing 90% of the excess heat produced by humans burning fossil fuels.
Verb
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Most of Georgia will be back under a heat advisory on Tuesday as a dangerous heat wave continues to scorch parts of the United States.
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Hot and even moderately hot pans will scorch the 10% resin content, turning it brown or yellow.
Verb
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Passionate Mars lights your 11th House of Friends and Community, forming a harmonious trine to transformative Pluto in your 7th House of Partnership.
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Digital footage obtained by The Times showed large aerial fireworks lighted at close range, while another video showed fireworks being thrown by an unknown individual into the crowd.
Verb
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The characters are all in a continual state of collision, their shifting conflicts inflamed by Coriolanus’ arrogantly uncompromising nature.
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My scalp is less dry and inflamed, and my curls are thoroughly moisturized.
Verb
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China last tested an ICBM launched into the Pacific in September 2024, firing a DF-31B nuclear-capable missile from Hainan Island in the South China Sea into the open Pacific near French Polynesia.
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Police release video of the person racing across the roof of the building from where authorities say the shot was fired, dropping down to the ground and walking off campus.
Cite this Entry
“Ignite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ignite. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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