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ignite

11 synonyms and 0 antonyms for ignite, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Verb — To set something on fire, or to begin burning.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

erupt inflame combust stir up fire up take fire catch fire conflagrate

How to use ignite

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

ignite a spark ignite controversy ignite a fire

Etymology

From Latin ignire, "to set on fire," from ignis, "fire" — the same root behind words like "igneous."

Full origin of ignite →

Frequently asked questions

What does “ignite” mean?

The word “ignite” means to set something on fire, or to begin burning. In plain terms, to catch fire or make something catch fire, or figuratively, to spark off a strong reaction.

How do you pronounce “ignite”?

“Ignite” is pronounced ihg-NYT (/ɪɡˈnaɪt/ in IPA).

How do you use “ignite” in a sentence?

Here is “ignite” used in a sentence: “A stray spark ignited the dry grass and started a wildfire.”

What part of speech is “ignite”?

“Ignite” is a verb.

Where does the word “ignite” come from?

The word “ignite” comes from Latin. From Latin ignire, "to set on fire," from ignis, "fire" — the same root behind words like "igneous.".

Is “ignite” a common word?

“Ignite” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “ignite” have?

“Ignite” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to set something on fire, or to begin burning.

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Synonyms and antonyms from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA.