Thesaurus results for COMBUST

combust

verb

kəm-ˈbəst

Definition of combust

as in to burn

to be on fire especially brightly anthracite, which is naturally hard, combusts more cleanly than bituminous coal

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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 combust The big-picture difference on Monday was that San Antonio’s offense finally showed up, and, in particular, that the Spurs didn’t combust with atrocious decisions in transition. — John Hollinger, New York Times, 10 June 2026 Watch party or not, the whole city might combust if the Knicks win an NBA Championship. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 May 2026 But the Cuyahoga River combusting due to pollutants from corporate dumping was one of the keystone events in the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency. — Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026 At this spot, several hundred feet above the 101 Freeway between La Conchita and Rincon Point, the area has also spontaneously combusted during ground shifts, according to previous reporting from The Times. — Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for combust

Recent Examples of Synonyms for combust

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

The flaming tower is part of a component most often known in Russian by the acronym ELOU-AVT, shorthand for an Electric Desalting and Atmospheric-Vacuum Distillation Unit.

— Jarrett Ley, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026
When SpaceX’s giant Starship rocket exploded over the Caribbean last year, the internet lit up with videos from airline passengers, island tourists and locals showing flaming debris shooting across the sky.

— Heather Vogell, ProPublica, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of flame

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combs (out)

combust

combusted

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

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Synonyms of combust

verb

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