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

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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
Argentina’s president, Javier Milei, who has been a vocal defender of Israel, became the first foreign leader to light a torch as part of the celebrations. Philissa Cramer, Sun Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2026 Responding deputies located the suspect within the preserve holding a torch, according to the affidavit. Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
And Spencer Jones is a functional piece, but not someone capable of shifting momentum as Denver was torched in non-Jokic minutes, including an 11-0 second quarter run. Troy Renck, Denver Post, 21 Apr. 2026 In Game 2 of the first round of the playoffs, Michael Jordan torched the Boston Celtics for a postseason-record 63 points in a 135-131 double-overtime loss at Boston Garden. Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 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
  • Earlier this year, the Environmental Protection Agency rescinded several longstanding environmental regulations, including gutting the 2009 endangerment finding and rolling back air quality standards for coal-burning power plants, which advocates say will cause irreparable harm.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 27 Apr. 2026
  • The cladding on the house is called Shou Sugi Ban, which is a Japanese process of preserving wood by pre-burning it and then staining it to [create a durable, fire-retardant material].
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Some have also noted that Lunds became victim to shoplifting, staff turnover, a loss of customers in the era of remote work and a fire set by an arsonist that caused upward of $500,000 in damage in 2022.
    Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Last month, arsonists set fire to four ambulances belonging to a Jewish charity in Golders Green.
    Jomana Karadsheh, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • For some, a Day 3 NFL draft selection lights a competitive fuse, so to speak.
    Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Until Artie Moreno fixes the holes in the ceiling and the holes in the lineup, the only thing consistently lit in Anaheim might be a Closed for Infestation sign.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 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
  • O’Neal, the daughter of four-time NBA champion and Naismith Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal, entered the portal April 14 after two seasons at UF; former head coach Kelly Rae Finley was fired by administration in March after five seasons at the helm.
    Caroline Makauskas, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The next night, Russia fired nineteen ballistic missiles, twenty-five cruise missiles, and six hundred and fifty-nine drones.
    Sudarsan Raghavan, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • During a time not unlike the one that ignited the historic founding of Chicano Park, thousands of people turned out Saturday at the iconic gathering space to celebrate their culture, stoke their heritage and press forward in their struggle.
    Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Most dry grasses, dead leaves, and other tree litter could easily ignite and spread fire quickly.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • America's hopes for its first high-speed rail were kindled in 2008, when California voters approved a ballot measure for a train connecting Los Angeles to San Francisco in less than three hours.
    Jon Wertheim, CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026
  • This spectacular success kindled a desire in Hersheypark officials to invest heavily in thrill rides.
    John Haddad, The Conversation, 3 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Torch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/torch. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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