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
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Recent Examples of combust
Less than a dozen blocks away from my home and within a mile of downtown Oakland, a multi-ton pile of scrap metal threatens to spontaneously combust under the hot sun.
—
Brian Beveridge, Mercury News, 10 Sep. 2025
When, last year, Oasis announced a reunion tour after 15 years apart, the internet promptly combusted.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2025
But since then, the Musk-Trump partnership has combusted, with the President even threatening to pull federal funding from Musk’s companies, including SpaceX. At the same time, the X platform continues to spark controversial incidents that might alienate some advertisers.
—Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 9 July 2025
Occasionally, a propane or gas tank will slip through the metals screening process causing the tanks to combust when passing through the shredder.
—Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for combust
Brian Beveridge, Mercury News, 10 Sep. 2025
When, last year, Oasis announced a reunion tour after 15 years apart, the internet promptly combusted.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2025
But since then, the Musk-Trump partnership has combusted, with the President even threatening to pull federal funding from Musk’s companies, including SpaceX. At the same time, the X platform continues to spark controversial incidents that might alienate some advertisers.
—Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 9 July 2025
Occasionally, a propane or gas tank will slip through the metals screening process causing the tanks to combust when passing through the shredder.
—Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for combust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for combust
Verb
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Cobalt, which can cause a burning sensation when handled, was one of the most common of these and is named for the kobold.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Oct. 2025
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The home features two wood-burning fireplaces, a mudroom and a recreational room, according to the listing.—
Francesca Pica,
jsonline.com,
27 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Shaped like glowing maple leaves, the six-piece set brings all the cozy fall vibes while brightening up driveways, walkways, and garden paths.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Oct. 2025
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The Emerald Cave glows bright green when sunlight hits the water just right.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
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This 32-foot-tall sculpture with flaming red eyes has alarmed travelers for decades, but the story of its creation is even more chilling.—
Maureen O'Hare,
CNN Money,
25 Oct. 2025
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With a bright pattern set on flaming crimson and a diaphanous petticoat underneath, the dress fits her perfectly.—
David Wingrave,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Combust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combust. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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