as in burning
to set (something) on fire
tried using newspapers as kindling to ignite the logs in the fireplace
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 igniting
But while the story itself is steeped in Jewish history, the segment of the program failed to make any mention of Jews, igniting criticism from British Jews who are on high alert for signs of antisemitism from the network.
—
Grace Gilson, Sun Sentinel, 12 Jan. 2026
There is no opposition capable of igniting change from the inside.
—Vivian Salama, The Atlantic, 11 Jan. 2026
Captured on video, the incident would bring national tensions over police brutality to a head, igniting months of demonstrations around the country.
—Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 10 Jan. 2026
Security video footage posted to Barrera’s Facebook page shows someone igniting and stoking flames inside the car, then fleeing before the vehicle is engulfed and eventually explodes.
—Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Jan. 2026
During the January wildfires in Southern California, 80 mile per hour winds and flames igniting were ideal conditions for embers to travel.
—Juan Fernandez, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Falmouth is dangerous with Finn Oberacker and Will Hostetter leading a strong defense, and with Gavin Powderly and Kody Pokraka igniting the attack.
—Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
Prosecutors said the fire was likely caused by sparkling candles igniting the ceiling of its basement.
—Reuters, NBC news, 4 Jan. 2026
Advertisement Far from igniting a baby boom, the White House plan will only slightly decrease costs and fail people who most need IVF to grow their families.
—Madison Chapman, Time, 30 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for igniting
Verb
-
Mansfield Park contains a slow burning love story with Fanny’s cousin Edmund and delicious subplots concerning two charming, selfish siblings, but of chief interest are Fanny’s two aunts.—
-
This is sufficient to power 40,000 households while helping save 64,000 tons of carbon emissions that would be released if this energy were generated by burning fossil fuels such as coal.—
Verb
-
When Liverpool and Arsenal last met, in late August, a scorching late Dominik Szoboszlai free kick saw the reigning champions strike an ominous early blow in the title race, jumping three points ahead of their London rivals.—
-
As scorching sunshine gives way to dusk, enthusiastic attendees transition from waiting in clusters to jumping in anticipation of the pop-rock superstar’s appearance.—
Verb
-
Even minor parks or embers might be carried into leaves or grass, kindling a fire that can swiftly expand.—
-
Refrain from kindling fires with debris or any other materials during an air quality alert.—
Verb
-
The Jayhawks won despite TCU torching the KU defense for 15 made 3s on 35 attempts.—
-
The trial for New Jersey businessman Paul Caneiro for allegedly murdering four family members and torching two homes — including his own — is set to begin Monday.—
Verb
-
On top of that, Sybil receives a terminal breast cancer diagnosis, further inflaming tensions throughout the house over the holidays.—
-
Visiting the shrine as prime minister would risk inflaming anger in the region.—
Cite this Entry
“Igniting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/igniting. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
