IGNITING Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

igniting

verb

present participle of ignite

as in burning

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 igniting Napier’s fate was effectively sealed in 2025 when defensive tackle Brendan Bett was penalized and ejected for spitting on a USF player, igniting the Bulls’ game-winning drive. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026 However, data show that roads actually tend to increase the risk of fires igniting. — Patrick Parenteau, The Conversation, 26 Aug. 2026 Europe’s summer wildfires are igniting and uncovering rusted bombs and mines from WWI and WWII, turning old battlefields into hazardous zones for firefighters and nearby communities. — Sam McNeil, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026 While the homeowner continued to work in the area, a metal grinder was used in the work, igniting the gas. — Caroline Foreback, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026 The late Hayden Panettiere's fans are demanding a boycott of Neutrogena products, re-igniting a call that came after the actress made allegations the skin-care company wanted to fire her for speaking out about her postpartum depression. — Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026 Weeks later, their surrogate gave birth in Texas, igniting a fight over parental rights. — Gina Park, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026 The Molotov cocktails that English brought to the Capitol appeared to be incapable of igniting, the judge noted. — Michael Kunzelman, Fortune, 19 Aug. 2026 Only two years ago, Christopher Morel hit a three-run, walk-off home run against closer Gregory Santos at Wrigley, igniting an epic celebration that seemed like the start of a long career in Chicago for the young Cubs infielder. — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for igniting

Verb

The Ross Fire burning west of Fort Worth in Palo Pinto County appears to be holding steady at around 85,000 acres and 26% containment Friday, according to Texas A&M Forest Service officials.

— Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2026
Planet-heating emissions from burning fossil fuels such as oil, gas and coal are the primary driver of climate change.

— Ava Berger, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of burning

Verb

Persistent drought and scorching heat this summer have ravaged ecosystems and businesses across the region, from a lake in Slovenia and the side channel of the Danube in Serbia, to fish farms in Bosnia, the Czech Republic, Romania and Hungary.

— ABC News, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026
While cooler fall days may be on the horizon, many students returning to school are still dealing with scorching end-of-summer temperatures.

— Justin Klawans, TheWeek, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of scorching

Verb

This wildfire season was supercharged by heavy rains in January that spurred vegetation growth, which became kindling when the summer heat arrived.

— Sam McNeil, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026
Even minor parks or embers might be carried into leaves or grass, kindling a fire that can swiftly expand.

— CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026

Definition of kindling

Verb

Video showed locals draped in Spanish flags, shouting anti-migrant slogans, and singing Spanish songs, torching the camp and throwing migrants’ belongings in the Mediterranean or into bonfires.

— Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 28 Aug. 2026
The Claremont Fire in the Boise Foothills had scorched 6,800 acres of terrain by Tuesday afternoon, torching sagebrush and shrubs, wildflowers and weeds, and narrowly avoiding homes.

— Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 15 July 2026

Definition of torching

Verb

China is increasingly worried about North Korea’s role in creating and intensifying these risks—and about the need to adjust its North Korea strategy to manage them without inflaming tensions and further destabilizing the region.

— ZHENG JIYONG, Foreign Affairs, 10 Aug. 2026
Chad Gable spent much of last year recovering from surgery after inflaming lucha libre fans with his El Grande Americano gimmick.

— Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of inflaming

Browse Nearby Words

ignites

igniting

ignoble

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“Igniting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/igniting. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of igniting

verb

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