1
as in to glow
to be on fire especially brightly
all evening long we just sat there, contentedly watching the Yule log burn
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in to scorch
to set (something) on fire
it is not a good idea to try to burn old papers in the sink
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to steam
to be excited or emotionally stirred up with anger
he came home burning with anger because of a reprimand at work
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4
as in to flame
to shine with a bright harsh light
the bright streetlight outside our motel room burned all night long
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5
as in to deceive
to cause to believe what is untrue
he's been burned before, so he's careful to double-check such claims now
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in to consume
to make complete use of
heedlessly burning the country's resources without any concern for future generations
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in creek
a natural body of running water smaller than a river
the walkers forded the shallow burn and then came upon a field of gorse
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of burn
Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Feb. 2026
The sky has darkened to a deep, clear blue, although that slow, slow sunset still burns orange on the horizon, and lamps are now glowing around the lagoon, as if set for a candlelit dinner.
—Rick Jordan, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2026
Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 6 Feb. 2026
Films that rely on the slow burn of theatrical word of mouth – like mid-budget dramas, comedies and adult originals – lose their path to profitability.
—Joseph M. Singer, Deadline, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for burn
Verb
Scream 7 Ghostface is ready to burn it all down.
—Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Feb. 2026
The sky has darkened to a deep, clear blue, although that slow, slow sunset still burns orange on the horizon, and lamps are now glowing around the lagoon, as if set for a candlelit dinner.
—Rick Jordan, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2026
Noun
It has long been used as feed for chickens and poultry and salves derived from chickweed are recommended to reduce inflammation, especially in the case of bug bites and burns.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 6 Feb. 2026
Films that rely on the slow burn of theatrical word of mouth – like mid-budget dramas, comedies and adult originals – lose their path to profitability.
—Joseph M. Singer, Deadline, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for burn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burn
Verb
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That leads to high temperatures, which create a glowing protostar due to the rapid (kinetic) motion of the internal gas particles, and eventually, after a few tens of millions of years, the core temperatures rise high enough (above 4 million K or so) that nuclear fusion of hydrogen begins.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
6 Feb. 2026
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Now imagine the same with some of those teary eyes angled down toward glowing screens, while others frame the bride with their phones.—
Nikita Khanna,
Vogue,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Simpler cooking, community…and Nico Ruspoli, an olive oil producer with his own scorched past.—
Danielle Parker,
CBS News,
7 Feb. 2026
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The hard X-ray peak came first, intense and quickly, followed by a longer, scorching soft X-ray and optical glow.—
Paul Sutter,
Space.com,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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It can also be used to wrap sandwiches or other items before heating to keep them secure, or for steaming proteins and vegetables, helping retain their moisture and nutrients.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
10 Feb. 2026
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If using fresh, the clams should start to steam open, give up their juices, and further flavor the broth.—
Holly Riordan,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Investigators later realized the flaming vehicle was registered to Lovely's ex, according to the complaint.—
Matthew Cupelli,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
6 Feb. 2026
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Accompanied by ringing bells, ethereal music and chanting hymns, the priests gracefully moved their arms in unison, holding up various flaming brass lamps during the 45-minute serene and powerful ritual.—
Norma Meyer,
Oc Register,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Is someone attempting to deceive you?—
Big Think,
Big Think,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Your eyes aren't deceiving you.—
Jessica Farthing,
Southern Living,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Next, consumed by stress, Howell had a heart attack.—
Rob Picheta,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
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The Liquor Commission voted to amend Heinen’s Class G2 liquor license to allow customers to consume alcoholic beverages on its patio space, which is connected to the market’s cafe area through sliding doors.—
Carolyn Stein,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The park will feature walking paths, a dry creek bed, a small playground, shelter and restrooms.—
Kendrick Calfee
February 8,
Kansas City Star,
8 Feb. 2026
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Lake Como’s roots date back to 1889, when Denver investors dammed a creek about 5 miles west of downtown and built a luxury resort, casino and amusement rides modeled after Como, Italy.—
Kamal Morgan
February 7,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Donnie orders all of the women out and begins to throw Molotov cocktails to trap the men, who die in a blazing inferno.—
Demetrius Patterson,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Feb. 2026
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For many of us, a spritz is best enjoyed under a blazing sun, preferably next to the water, maybe wearing as little as possible.—
Chadner Navarro,
Vogue,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Burn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burn. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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