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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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 Despite the lack of charges, the report ignited a new round of criticism aimed at DeSantis and other top state Republicans over the charity receiving $10 million from a state Medicaid settlement intended to help poor children get health insurance. — Jim Vertuno, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026 Flores and Lewis ignited a rally in a series of runs after trailing 12-2 in the second set. — Ethan Hanson, Daily News, 28 Aug. 2026 Shortly after the assassination of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on the first day of the war, which ignited a sense of hope for the future among many Iranians, the government announced that Mojtaba Khamenei would replace his father. — Anna Mulrine Grobe, Christian Science Monitor, 28 Aug. 2026 Edmunds tossed a 31-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Kye Crump to ignite a 21-point outburst in the first quarter. — Dan Albano, Oc Register, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ignite

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ignite

Verb

Fans of Dolly Parton have erected a memorial at the legendary singer-songwriter’s star on Nashville’s Music City Walk of Fame, placing flowers, cards and candles that continue to burn into the morning hours.

— Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
At least five structures are known to have been burned, and additional damage assessments are expected to be conducted later Tuesday today.

— Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of burn

Verb

While blistering heat continues to scorch much of the nation's southern tier, the Midwest and Northeast are enjoying a brief fall preview.

— Doyle Rice, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
Rémi Lecoutre, deputy head gardener at the Claude Monet House and Gardens museum, gave France 24 a tour, which revealed the nasturtiums to be completely wiped out; many other flowers appeared scorched or dead.

— News Desk, Artforum, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of scorch

Verb

During the first hour, pine grove owners urged fire commanders to light a backfire a few hundred yards from Le Porge.

— Michael Finnegan, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
Down the hall, his girlfriend examines her birth chart, lights the palo santo and wonders whether Mercury is going to wreck her Tuesday.

— Ryan Zickgraf, Washington Post, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of light

Verb

The scale of this reliance was particularly evident during the 2022 fighting in the Donbas region, when Russian forces were firing approximately 20,000 artillery rounds per day, with peak rates exceeding 32,000 rounds on some days.

— Vikram Mittal, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Iran still has enough drones and missiles to fire at vessels transiting the vital energy waterway, through which 20% of the world’s oil normally flows, effectively controlling much of the traffic in the strait.

— Konstantin Toropin, Fortune, 30 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of ignite

verb

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