wildfire

as in blaze
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.

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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 wildfire Holiday tragedies: Flash floods and wildfires haunt Central Texas Deadly natural disasters have wrought tragedy on many a Central Texas holiday. Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 7 July 2025 The report attributed the rise to extreme heat and wildfire smoke, which make air pollution worse. Quinn Clark, jsonline.com, 7 July 2025 Notwithstanding Michelin Guide’s 2020 pause in ratings due to the pandemic and wildfires, Providence held two stars every year since the guide’s return to L.A. Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2025 The cost of weather disasters in the U.S. has skyrocketed in the last decade, as climate change causes more intense weather and populations grow in areas that are at high risk for hurricanes, wildfires and other destructive events. Rebecca Hersher, NPR, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for wildfire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wildfire
Noun
  • The fire had ignited about 6 p.m. near the intersection of Hellyer Avenue and Silicon Valley Boulevard, according to the San Jose Fire Department, which battled the blaze with assistance from Cal Fire.
    Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 7 July 2025
  • The blaze sparked around 3:30 a.m. on July 5 at the bar and restaurant Minerva Avenue at 1002 Buchanan Street, according to news reports.
    Kelly Puente, The Tennessean, 6 July 2025
Noun
  • Climate change is a major contributor, as drought and rising global temperatures make the infernos bigger, faster and harder to stop.
    CNN.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 3 July 2025
  • And days before the Formula One Grand Prix in Jeddah in March 2022, the Houthi rebels fired a missile at an oil storage facility in the Saudi city and an inferno of fire and smoke filled the skyline.
    Dina Esfandiary, Time, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • Lighting a campfire and watching as the flames grow and flicker can feel therapeutic — for good reason.
    Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 9 July 2025
  • The thrilling rodeo showcased the talents of both the horses and their riders The thrilling rodeo showcased the talents of both the horses and their riders Westgate River Ranch The experience culminates around a communal campfire.
    Griff Griffin, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • The holiday celebrates the beginning of summer and is celebrated with hilltop bonfires and dancing.
    Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
  • This product is flammable, so make sure not to spray it near a grill or bonfire, Vanchinathan said.
    Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 20 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wildfire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wildfire. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.

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