as in burning
to set (something) on fire
tried using newspapers as kindling to ignite the logs in the fireplace
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Recent Examples of igniting
In 2021, Argentina’s national soccer team won the Copa América, ending a 28-year drought and igniting national celebration.
—
Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2026
At the heart of the story is Pelé’s move to the New York Cosmos, a moment credited with igniting a soccer boom across the country.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 25 Mar. 2026
Modesto Fire said the teenager was attempting to re-light a barbecue using a flammable liquid when the fire suddenly flashed, igniting and causing significant burns.
—Richard Ramos, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026
Iranian missiles have fallen near Jerusalem’s holiest sites, raising the risk of igniting a broader religious conflict across the Middle East.
—Marissa Newman, Bloomberg, 24 Mar. 2026
Within seconds of stepping onstage, the Vallejo native leapt into the crowd, igniting the already energized audience.
—Mikey Fresh, VIBE.com, 24 Mar. 2026
Authorities are searching for three people who appear to be seen in CCTV video pouring accelerant onto the vehicles before igniting them and fleeing.
—Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 23 Mar. 2026
The chair is also a smart exercise prop for folks who are new to exercise, since many common ab-igniting moves–like push-ups, planks, and mountain climbers–can be made less challenging by elevating your hands on the chair instead of the ground.
—Jenny McCoy, SELF, 23 Mar. 2026
The element of performance also contributes to igniting the fan base.
—Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 22 Mar. 2026
Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2026
At the heart of the story is Pelé’s move to the New York Cosmos, a moment credited with igniting a soccer boom across the country.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 25 Mar. 2026
Modesto Fire said the teenager was attempting to re-light a barbecue using a flammable liquid when the fire suddenly flashed, igniting and causing significant burns.
—Richard Ramos, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026
Iranian missiles have fallen near Jerusalem’s holiest sites, raising the risk of igniting a broader religious conflict across the Middle East.
—Marissa Newman, Bloomberg, 24 Mar. 2026
Within seconds of stepping onstage, the Vallejo native leapt into the crowd, igniting the already energized audience.
—Mikey Fresh, VIBE.com, 24 Mar. 2026
Authorities are searching for three people who appear to be seen in CCTV video pouring accelerant onto the vehicles before igniting them and fleeing.
—Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 23 Mar. 2026
The chair is also a smart exercise prop for folks who are new to exercise, since many common ab-igniting moves–like push-ups, planks, and mountain climbers–can be made less challenging by elevating your hands on the chair instead of the ground.
—Jenny McCoy, SELF, 23 Mar. 2026
The element of performance also contributes to igniting the fan base.
—Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 22 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for igniting
Verb
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Nearly 97 percent of female respondents reported burning sensations during urination, while 45 percent described amber to brown urine—a sign of dehydration and possible kidney strain.—
Jasmin Malik Chua,
Sourcing Journal,
31 Mar. 2026
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In the poor quarters of New Delhi, households struggling to pay for gas fired up chulhas, old-school wood-burning stoves, and hoped their tinder supplies held.—
Nathan Heller,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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However, it must be shielded from scorching sun.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
28 Mar. 2026
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That series sent her through icy Arctic conditions, dense jungles, and scorching deserts — all within one calendar year, across multiple continents.—
Samantha Agate,
Charlotte Observer,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Rather than have their payroll and egos be kindling for clubhouse dysfunction, the Dodgers have found a formula to keep their winning ways going.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
25 Mar. 2026
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Even minor parks or embers might be carried into leaves or grass, kindling a fire that can swiftly expand.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
21 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Jamal Murray has been torching opposing defenses, and Nikola Jokić is dropping dimes left and right.—
Zach Harper,
New York Times,
30 Mar. 2026
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And the other option is to target Iranian energy infrastructure, which could result in Iran retaliating against the Gulf states and torching the entire regional infrastructure.—
Isaac Chotiner,
New Yorker,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Trump’s decision to send ICE agents to the airports risks inflaming the situation, lawmakers have said.—
Kevin Freking,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Mar. 2026
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The bacterium can also infiltrate the bloodstream, inflaming blood vessels, which may leave lasting damage even in people who recover from the initial infection.—
Lauren J. Young,
Scientific American,
21 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Igniting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/igniting. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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