torch 1 of 2

Definition of torchnext
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
When Wambach retired, Rapinoe picked up the torch and became a vocal advocate for social justice. Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 20 June 2026 This year's games were the first to feature a coast-to-coast torch run, spanning more than a dozen states over the course of several weeks. Adam Duxter, CBS News, 20 June 2026
Verb
Setting intentional forest fires and letting other low-severity ones burn can significantly lower the chances of extreme blazes torching those same areas in the future, according to a new study released Thursday, while reducing toxic smoke over time. Brianna Sacks, Washington Post, 11 June 2026 The tree trunk the cross was leaning against was torched, along with some leaves. Jermont Terry, CBS News, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for torch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for torch
Noun
  • The dual arc igniter can quickly light cigarettes, candles, campfires or small materials without needing fuel, and performs even under windy or humid situations with no extra tools required.
    Shirl Leigh April 23, New Atlas, 23 Apr. 2026
  • An electric igniter is hidden on the top of the phone behind a small trap door.
    Angela Moscaritolo, PC Magazine, 7 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • According to Smith, citizens of East Florida even burned the leaders behind the Declaration of Independence in effigy.
    Hank Tester, CBS News, 1 July 2026
  • For decades, oceans have acted as the planet’s main heat sink, absorbing 90% of the excess heat produced by humans burning fossil fuels.
    Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • Prosecutors have spent the duration of the trial painting Rinderknecht as a vengeful, mentally unstable arsonist who was angry at society.
    ABC News, ABC News, 22 June 2026
  • That’s like giving somebody credit for literally an arsonist starting a fire and getting credit for running out of the burning building.
    NBC news, NBC news, 21 June 2026
Verb
  • No video evidence exists to show exactly how the Lachman fire started, much less that Rinderknecht was the one who lit the blaze.
    Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026
  • Opt for sconces and hanging lights, rather than lamps or lighting pieces that take up floorspace.
    Vaishnavi Nayel Talawadekar, Architectural Digest, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • An arson fire destroys the 43-year-old Globe Theatre on March 8 (the arsonist was never caught, but a firebug had set several blazes in the park that winter).
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Oct. 2025
  • 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
Verb
  • The suspect allegedly fired several shots at Majied.
    JT Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 23 June 2026
  • The Israeli military says 36 Israeli soldiers and four civilians were killed, as Hezbollah fired thousands of rockets and drones into northern Israel and Israeli troops in southern Lebanon.
    Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Both the size of the IPO and the hype around it – and CEO Elon Musk – have ignited outsized interest from investors.
    John Towfighi, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
  • The Atlantic Fire happening after several other wildfires ignited across south Florida earlier this month.
    Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • As the current Cartoonist Laureate of the state, she has been highly engaged in Vermont culture and history, and says her interest in this couple was kindled by Christopher Kaufman Ilstrup, director of Vermont Humanities, who encouraged her to tell their story.
    Rob Salkowitz, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
  • These seemingly innocuous actions can kindle dry grass, potentially triggering a wildfire.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 25 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Torch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/torch. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

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