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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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 ignite Hollywood is filled with book-to-screen adaptations that have ignited grumbling and spirited debates. — Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026 Confronting the Nixon administration, the activists held the notorious former prison for 19 months, igniting a movement — America’s greatest civil rights story never told. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2026 Some shedding happens higher up by igniting the engine, but a lot of it happens lower down as the spacecraft reenters through the atmosphere. — Sven Bilén, The Conversation, 29 Sep. 2026 All 33 Raptor engines on the Super Heavy booster ignited, although one cut out about two minutes after liftoff. — Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ignite

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ignite

Verb

Oura might not be under the same pressure to access capital as a cash-burning startup.

— Morgan Chittum, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2026
The scene is a sensory one, with layered cowhide rugs, leather armchairs, a wood-burning fire, and twinkling chandeliers that were original to the Pulitzers’ home.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of burn

Verb

When their demands were met and extra staff sent to the school, the strike ended, but by then the match had been lit.

— Melissa Bell, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2026
Researchers learned fumes accumulated in restaurants because pilot lights (small flames inside gas stoves that stay continuously lit) continued to burn gas after kitchens closed and ventilation fans were off.

— Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of light

Verb

Relying on remote technical collection could also avoid inflaming opposition by field officers who may not be prepared to take great personal risks to help the private sector.

— DAVID S. COHEN, Foreign Affairs, 8 Oct. 2026
The killing of a woman in Okinawa has sparked an outcry across Japan and inflamed long-simmering tensions over the US military presence on the island.

— Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of inflame

Verb

Garfield plays Sam as a charming villain, capable of talking himself back into the leadership position even after he has been fired by the board for shady dealings.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026
The movie charts the evolution of OpenAI and dramatizes the tumultuous time when Altman was controversially fired and then rehired by the AI giant.

— Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 6 Oct. 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 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of ignite

verb

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