as in blazes
a fire in a wild area (such as a forest) that is not controlled and that can burn a large area very quickly
The recent wildfires were made worse by the strong winds.
Related Words
Relevance
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 wildfires
Becerra pointed to his experiences leading the sprawling federal health agency during the Biden administration, including dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, the wildfires that devastated Maui, Hawaii, avian flu and mpox, formerly known as monkeypox.
—
Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
It's been a dry season, and water supply and wildfires are top of mind for many Coloradans.
—Michael Abeyta, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
While parts of Maui are still rebuilding after the 2023 wildfires, the state was pummeled by a pair of back-to-back storms last month, causing widespread damage across the islands, including parts of Maui, O’ahu, Molokaʻi, and the Big Island.
—Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 2 Apr. 2026
Hot, dry weather is a recipe for wildfires.
—ABC News, 1 Apr. 2026
More than 600 wildfires have been reported in the past 10 days, the state reported Tuesday, March 31.
—Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 1 Apr. 2026
Supporters said the bill is intended to address ongoing concerns about insurance availability following destructive wildfires across the region.
—City News Service, Daily News, 31 Mar. 2026
Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is pivotal in mitigating the risk of wildfires during these perilous conditions.
—Kansas City Star Weather Bot, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2026
All active wildfires are shown.
—Katie Langford, Denver Post, 26 Mar. 2026
Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
It's been a dry season, and water supply and wildfires are top of mind for many Coloradans.
—Michael Abeyta, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
While parts of Maui are still rebuilding after the 2023 wildfires, the state was pummeled by a pair of back-to-back storms last month, causing widespread damage across the islands, including parts of Maui, O’ahu, Molokaʻi, and the Big Island.
—Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 2 Apr. 2026
Hot, dry weather is a recipe for wildfires.
—ABC News, 1 Apr. 2026
More than 600 wildfires have been reported in the past 10 days, the state reported Tuesday, March 31.
—Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 1 Apr. 2026
Supporters said the bill is intended to address ongoing concerns about insurance availability following destructive wildfires across the region.
—City News Service, Daily News, 31 Mar. 2026
Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is pivotal in mitigating the risk of wildfires during these perilous conditions.
—Kansas City Star Weather Bot, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2026
All active wildfires are shown.
—Katie Langford, Denver Post, 26 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wildfires
Noun
-
On Wednesday, North Chicago firefighters responded to a series of blazes that broke out along the railroad tracks along Sheridan Road.—
Clifford Ward,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
-
While the potential for a particularly dangerous fire season exists, it is not guaranteed, because the weather during the spring and summer months plays a large role in triggering blazes and sustaining them.—
Andrew Freedman,
CNN Money,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Now, infernos sweep through populous towns and cities.—
Susie Neilson,
San Francisco Chronicle,
2 July 2025
Noun
-
The oil shortage has also affected public services and food transportation, prompting rare protests in some cities, with citizens banging pots and pans and lighting bonfires in the darkness.—
Chris Lau,
CNN Money,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Late Thursday night into early Friday morning, residents in several neighborhoods in Havana took to the streets, banging pots and pans and, in some cases, lighting bonfires to block major roads in the capital — a sign of escalating frustration.—
Ivan Taylor,
CBS News,
21 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Wildfires.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wildfires. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
