accelerant

noun

ac·​cel·​er·​ant ik-ˈse-lə-rənt How to pronounce accelerant (audio)
ak-
: a substance used to accelerate a process (such as the spreading of a fire)

Examples of accelerant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
As opposed to limiting China’s growth, the export controls have proven a Chinese self-sufficiency accelerant. — John Tamny, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 Climate change is an accelerant for troubles that are already afoot. — Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026 The fireworks were in a shopping cart, which the man doused with an accelerant and lit on fire, according to those sources. — Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 20 July 2026 The ingredient makes your skin more susceptible to sun damage, which is already one of the main accelerants of epidermal aging. — Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for accelerant

Word History

Etymology

acceler(ate) + -ant entry 1

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of accelerant was in 1824

Browse Nearby Words

accelerando
accelerant
accelerate
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Accelerant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/accelerant. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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