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

State Assembly Member John Harabedian, who represents Altadena, where the Eaton Fire killed 19 people and burned about 9,400 homes and structures, authored one of the bills passed this week.

— Evan Bush, NBC news, 1 Sep. 2026
The Soviet Union was an archetypal fragile superpower, its red star burning bright before its dramatic final implosion.

— Ben Bland, semafor.com, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of burn

Verb

During the 2016 Chimney Fire, which scorched more than 46,000 acres in the Santa Lucia Range, one of the family’s favorite manzanita trees burned black.

— Kathryn O’Shea-Evans, Robb Report, 30 Aug. 2026
Dangerous heat that has scorched the Southwest for days is now spreading to the nation's midsection.

— ABC News, ABC News, 30 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

This incident continued to come up all season, dividing the group and inflaming the relationship between the Bookos and married couple Janet and Jason Caperna.

— Kate Aurthur, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026
Immigrant rights groups say the new rules exacerbate a truck driver shortage and inflame anti-immigrant bias by perpetuating the myth that all such drivers are unqualified.

— Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of inflame

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 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of ignite

verb

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