torch 1 of 2

as in igniter
a person who deliberately and unlawfully sets fire to a building or other property several suspicious fires in the past few months have probably been set by the same torch

Synonyms & Similar Words

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torch

2 of 2

verb

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 torch
Noun
Moments later, Sakamoto came over and squeezed her tightly, as if Japan’s hero was passing Liu the torch as the first world champion from the U.S. since Kimmie Meissner stood atop the podium in 2006. Dave Skretta, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2025 On every crossing to the far side, one thief must carry the torch, and the other must carry a treasure chest. Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Verb
Suspect accused of torching governor's mansion displays strange antics before court. FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 2025 Its terror tactics include burnings, beheadings, mutilations, and torching villages, according to the UN. Heather Law, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for torch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for torch
Verb
  • The pair, who met as college undergrads, both burned with idealism and recognized their privilege could be leveraged for a game-changing idea.
    Carole Horst, Variety, 13 Sep. 2023
  • The Ellen MacArthur Foundation promotes circular fashion and says that, in the United States, an amount of clothing equal to a garbage truck is ferried to landfills or burned every second.
    Neeti Mehra, Treehugger, 13 Sep. 2023
Verb
  • Engage Your Senses In a shared office environment, playing loud music or lighting a scented candle is frowned upon.
    Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Think of those who sit in the dark and wait for their time, hoping and waiting for a light to light their path.
    Pamela Avila, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • In video released by police, the firebug could be seen setting fire to a small pile of trash next to the head of a sleeping passenger stretched out on the seat.
    Elizabeth Keogh, New York Daily News, 12 Feb. 2025
  • Two men have been charged with felony arson in Los Angeles in unrelated cases as authorities combat firebugs, looters and multiple raging blazes in Southern California.
    Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 15 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Investigators believe the Palisades fire ignited around 10:30 a.m. Jan. 7 near a popular hiking trail just southeast of Palisades Drive.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Rubio’s firing of Marocco ignites a MAGA world meltdown 🚔️ IN FLORIDA This is horrible: A gunman opened fire at Florida State University in Tallahassee on Thursday, leaving at least two people dead and several others injured.
    Cate Martel, The Hill, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The person calling claimed a friend had fired shots at a Black adult female at 7:05 p.m., and that two suspects were at the location wearing all black.
    Mackenzie Cummings-Grady, Billboard, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Hackett was also demoted from his play-calling duties after Saleh was fired.
    Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • That leadership isn't just about putting out fires, but about kindling something deeper.
    Nell Derick Debevoise, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • These innocuous-seeming actions can kindle dry vegetation, potentially spawning a wildfire.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Herro’s scorching shooting continued in the second quarter, finishing the first half with 23 points on perfect 8-of-8 shooting from the field, 3-of-3 shooting on threes and 4-of-4 shooting from the foul line.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Temperatures are warm but not yet scorching—perfect for hiking.
    Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Torch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/torch. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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