arson

Definition of arsonnext
as in fire
the illegal burning of a building or other property; the crime of setting fire to something The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, but investigators suspect arson. The town has suffered a rash of arson attacks.

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 arson Fires can be caused by sparks from agricultural machinery, lightning strikes, an errant cigarette or even intentional arson. ABC News, 24 July 2026 The Sacramento Bee published several top stories Friday spanning wildfire risk, restaurant health inspections and a major arson conviction. Ruyuan Li. Summary Produced By Ai Assistance, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2026 He was previously charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (scissors) and assault with intent to maim, and he was convicted of arson. Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 24 July 2026 Shannon Felice Stork, 62, is facing charges of second-degree murder and arson. Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for arson
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arson
Noun
  • Since erupting Saturday, three fires in Spokane County have destroyed more than 700 structures, displaced tens of thousands of residents and threatened communities.
    Karina Tsui, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Authorities haven't stated a possible cause for the other two fires.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Very low humidity paired with the bone dry, hot conditions will elevate wildfire risk across Central and Northern California.
    Ruyuan Li. Summary produced by AI assistance, Sacbee.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • With Colorado's dry winters and sometimes windy weather, overhead lines have become a wildfire threat to communities.
    Michael Abeyta, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Chute Fire The Chute Fire remained at 60 acres and 0% contained Tuesday morning as Cal Fire and other crews continued battling the blaze in Chute Ravine near Dobbins in Yuba County, about 50 miles north of Sacramento.
    Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 21 July 2026
  • Such blazes have large vertical growth and can spread rapidly even when not driven by the wind.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Arson.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arson. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on arson

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!