arson

Definition of arsonnext
as in fire
the illegal burning of a building or other property; the crime of setting fire to something The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, but investigators suspect arson. The town has suffered a rash of arson attacks.

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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 arson Meanwhile, arson investigators also responded to a car that had been set on fire in the area of Southwest 248th Street and 157th Avenue. — Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2026 Many of the protests at high schools are peaceful, but the images of arson and strong-arm police tactics are dominating the public debate in France. — Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026 The original burn, called the Lachman Fire, was the result of an alleged arson. — Evan Bush, NBC news, 2 Oct. 2026 Students in Nantes set fire to the local Nelson Mandela High School, while violent clashes and further arson attacks have been reported in Lille, Lyon, Rennes, and Toulouse. — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for arson
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arson
Noun
  • Helen, Rob and Emily McDaniel's wood-fire-and-coal-cooking restaurant, is a cozy downtown spot that serves up chicken thighs, angel biscuits, and tomato pie.
    — Leslie Pariseau, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The Forest Service lowered fire restrictions to Stage 1 earlier this month.
    — The Know, Denver Post, 11 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Fire mitigation at the approximately square-mile camp also includes thinning the tree population to prevent a wildfire from moving through too quickly.
    — Joy Benedict, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Total damage was estimated at $2 billion, the costliest wildfire in Colorado history.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Firefighter John McMaster spent nearly two weeks in hospitals after the blaze and was left permanently injured.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Firefighters from the district and the Sacramento Fire Department fought the blaze.
    — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 4 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Arson.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arson. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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