accelerant

noun

ac·cel·er·ant ik-ˈse-lə-rənt

ak-

: a substance used to accelerate a process (such as the spreading of a fire)

Examples of accelerant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

Most Popular For endometriosis, one of the key accelerants is inflammation. — Bella Webb, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026 Why is this transformation occurring at such speed and scale in medicine, rather than in law, finance, or software, where AI is also being used as an accelerant? — Arya Rao, STAT, 19 Aug. 2026 Mochen is careful to frame Vector as an accelerant rather than a substitute for human engineering. — John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 Climate change is an accelerant for troubles that are already afoot. — Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for accelerant

Word History

Etymology

acceler(ate) + -ant entry 1

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of accelerant was in 1824

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Browse Nearby Words

accelerando

accelerant

accelerate

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Accelerant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/accelerant. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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accelerant

noun

Examples of accelerant in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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