arsonist

noun

Definition of arsonistnext
as in torch
a person who deliberately and unlawfully sets fire to a building or other property they finally caught the arsonist, but only after he'd set fire to four barns

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 arsonist On Tuesday, arsonists set ablaze at least three vehicles, including a taxi and a public bus, and armed men threatened merchants in broad daylight, plunging the city into fear. — ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026 An arsonist was caught on video setting fire inside an apartment building in Detroit. — Karma Sabbah, CBS News, 9 Sep. 2026 In the coming years, his life would be shaken by arsonists and assassinations, and dramatically shifting public views about Arabs. — Rozina Ali, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2026 Rebuilt in 2005 after an arsonist’s firebomb destroyed the original in 2003, the museum’s permanent exhibit includes artifacts from Kor’s life from Auschwitz to Terre Haute. — Brian Garrido, Midwest Living, 13 Aug. 2026 Neighbor’s double take helped police identify accused wildfire arsonist as flames raced nearby. — FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 2026 There have been interesting things that have been revealed about the intentions of the arsonist based on some reporting by one of our reporters at USA Today, Natalie Alund. — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026 The arsonist who set it was sentenced in 2022 to 24 years in prison. — Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026 But other fires have been attributed to arsonists or criminal negligence. — Mark Carlson, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arsonist
torch
Noun
  • To the right, artificial houseplants stand in a currently dry fountain bedecked in blue light, and presided over by statue holding a candelabra-style light fixture like a torch.
    — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Using a kitchen torch, toast meringue until deep golden brown.
    — Tanya Bush, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of torch

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arsonist
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Cite this Entry

“Arsonist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arsonist. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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