torches 1 of 2

Definition of torchesnext
plural of torch
as in igniters
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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torches

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of torch

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 torches
Noun
There, Kurds gather to light flaming torches at sunset, carrying them up the mountainside to symbolize light defeating darkness. March 25, NPR, 25 Mar. 2026 The festival concludes with a procession of thousands of people carrying torches and images of the Santo Niño. Laura Payne, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Mar. 2026 The men rushed him with the torches repeatedly but could not drive him farther than the edge of the thick brush. Doris Decleene, Outdoor Life, 25 Feb. 2026 In March, the old town of Akre is the centre of Kurdish Newroz festivities, when hundreds of people carry flaming torches up the hillside in a boisterous, joyous celebration of the New Year. Nicola Chilton, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Feb. 2026 In 2012, Ripa and executive producer Michael Gelman consumed copious amounts of alcohol and went night skiing with torches. Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 20 Feb. 2026 Across the island of Sumatra, after evening prayers, many boys and girls parade through the streets, carrying torches and playing Islamic songs. Mariam Fam, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026 Our picks for the best solar lawn lights that stay on all night include solar globe lights, in-ground lights, lanterns, and even torches. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Feb. 2026 In addition to skipping out on their hotel bill, the hikers also took with them the gear the rescue team lent them to safely return down the mountain, including two head torches, according to the organization, who said their own attempts to contact the men were also unsuccessful. Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 1 Feb. 2026
Verb
Hopper cut off a Demogorgon’s head, and Murray torches quite a few. Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 12 Nov. 2025 Continue reading … IN OTHER NEWS SWEET REVENGE – Aaron Rodgers torches former Jets team with 4 touchdowns in Steelers debut victory. FOXNews.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for torches
Verb
  • For instance, walking at a brisk pace generally increases total energy expenditure and burns more calories per minute.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Chewing on the bulbs can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea, profuse drooling and burns to the mouth.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The state of Maryland is burning at the hands of political arsonists, and the Maryland Freedom Caucus continues to criticize the color of the few fire trucks Maryland Republicans are deploying to contain the disaster.
    Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 25 Feb. 2026
  • In May, arsonists incinerated an 860,000-square-foot megamall in Warsaw; an investigation found the blaze was ordered by the GRU.
    The Week US, TheWeek, 17 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Showering with the bathroom lights off at night, under the glow of the red light, feels futuristic and spa-like.
    Jenny Berg, Vogue, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Ready to be honest about what lights you up?
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • These gadgets, imported from China or Russia or homemade in the US with 3D printers, transform a semiautomatic weapon—which fires a single round with each trigger pull—into a fully automatic one, able to discharge at a rate of 1,200 rounds per minute, limited only by the capacity of the magazine.
    Simon Akam, Vanity Fair, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Orion will spend 90-minutes in its initial orbit, before the second stage fires its engines twice to send Orion to a high Earth elliptical orbit.
    Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • While Martin Scorsese called it one of the scariest movies of all time, The Uninvited kindles a wonderful romance between Rick and Stella.
    Steven Thrash, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The star of Big Little Lies confessed her new film, Caught Stealing, kindles a powerful yearning for some aspects of the era.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The story centers on a blackmail war that ignites at an elite country club after two young employees witness an alarming fight between their boss and his wife.
    Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 1 Apr. 2026
  • After the engines start up and the booster ignites, umbilical separation, or the disconnecting of power cables and fuel lines, will take place — the last step before the rocket launches.
    Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Tucson will also be at or near record temperatures through March 27 as the state’s unprecedented heat wave scorches on, the weather service said.
    Ray Stern, AZCentral.com, 25 Mar. 2026
  • As the world around them scorches under record heat, a family walks into the woods, asking what the future holds in this thermal dystopia.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 14 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Torches.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/torches. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

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