Find the word that fits

Burn: alternatives and connections

Begin with the reviewed alternatives, then explore broader connections without treating every related word as an automatic substitute.

Try an example: important law show help change happy
26,102 words currently have published synonym-style alternatives
90,593 searchable synonym connections
350,924 published thesaurus relationships of every type
Start with the meaning

Burn

To consume with fire; to reduce to ashes by the action of heat or fire; -- frequently intensified by up: as, to burn up wood.

149 useful connections shown 110 reviewed relationships and 39 broader connections.
Best place to begin

Reviewed alternatives and contrasts

These links were deliberately created. Use the interchangeability score and guidance to judge whether a word will work in your sentence.

Verb group 16

Bite 84% connected

To seize with the teeth, so that they enter or nip the thing seized; to lacerate, crush, or wound with the teeth; as, to bite an apple; to bite a cru…

oewn 2023 50% interchangeable

Open English WordNet groups these verbs by closely related meaning.

Bite 84% connected

To seize with the teeth, so that they enter or nip the thing seized; to lacerate, crush, or wound with the teeth; as, to bite an apple; to bite a cru…

oewn 2023 50% interchangeable

Open English WordNet groups these verbs by closely related meaning.

Erupt 84% connected

To cause to burst forth; to eject; as, to erupt lava.

oewn 2023 50% interchangeable

Open English WordNet groups these verbs by closely related meaning.

Erupt 84% connected

To cause to burst forth; to eject; as, to erupt lava.

oewn 2023 50% interchangeable

Open English WordNet groups these verbs by closely related meaning.

Fire 84% connected

The evolution of light and heat in the combustion of bodies; combustion; state of ignition.

oewn 2023 50% interchangeable

Open English WordNet groups these verbs by closely related meaning.

Fire 84% connected

The evolution of light and heat in the combustion of bodies; combustion; state of ignition.

oewn 2023 50% interchangeable

Open English WordNet groups these verbs by closely related meaning.

Ignite 84% connected

To kindle or set on fire; as, to ignite paper or wood.

oewn 2023 50% interchangeable

Open English WordNet groups these verbs by closely related meaning.

Ignite 84% connected

To kindle or set on fire; as, to ignite paper or wood.

oewn 2023 50% interchangeable

Open English WordNet groups these verbs by closely related meaning.

Incinerate 84% connected

Reduced to ashes by burning; thoroughly consumed.

oewn 2023 50% interchangeable

Open English WordNet groups these verbs by closely related meaning.

Incinerate 84% connected

Reduced to ashes by burning; thoroughly consumed.

oewn 2023 50% interchangeable

Open English WordNet groups these verbs by closely related meaning.

Sting 84% connected

Any sharp organ of offense and defense, especially when connected with a poison gland, and adapted to inflict a wound by piercing; as the caudal stin…

oewn 2023 50% interchangeable

Open English WordNet groups these verbs by closely related meaning.

Sting 84% connected

Any sharp organ of offense and defense, especially when connected with a poison gland, and adapted to inflict a wound by piercing; as the caudal stin…

oewn 2023 50% interchangeable

Open English WordNet groups these verbs by closely related meaning.

Broader term 40

Ache 76% connected

A name given to several species of plants; as, smallage, wild celery, parsley.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Alter 76% connected

To make otherwise; to change in some respect, either partially or wholly; to vary; to modify.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Beam 76% connected

Any large piece of timber or iron long in proportion to its thickness, and prepared for use.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Blemish 76% connected

To mark with deformity; to injure or impair, as anything which is well formed, or excellent; to mar, or make defective, either the body or mind.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Blow 76% connected

To flower; to blossom; to bloom.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Change 76% connected

To alter; to make different; to cause to pass from one state to another; as, to change the position, character, or appearance of a thing; to change t…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Color 76% connected

A property depending on the relations of light to the eye, by which individual and specific differences in the hues and tints of objects are apprehen…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Colour 76% connected

See Color.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Consume 76% connected

To destroy, as by decomposition, dissipation, waste, or fire; to use up; to expend; to waste; to burn up; to eat up; to devour.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Create 76% connected

Created; composed; begotten.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Damage 76% connected

Injury or harm to person, property, or reputation; an inflicted loss of value; detriment; hurt; mischief.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Defect 76% connected

Want or absence of something necessary for completeness or perfection; deficiency; -- opposed to superfluity.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Deplete 76% connected

To empty or unload, as the vessels of human system, by bloodletting or by medicine.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Destroy 76% connected

To unbuild; to pull or tear down; to separate virulently into its constituent parts; to break up the structure and organic existence of; to demolish.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Discolor 76% connected

To alter the natural hue or color of; to change to a different color; to stain; to tinge; as, a drop of wine will discolor water; silver is discolore…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Eat 76% connected

of Eat

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Execute 76% connected

To follow out or through to the end; to carry out into complete effect; to complete; to finish; to effect; to perform.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Exhaust 76% connected

To draw or let out wholly; to drain off completely; as, to exhaust the water of a well; the moisture of the earth is exhausted by evaporation.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Expend 76% connected

To lay out, apply, or employ in any way; to consume by use; to use up or distribute, either in payment or in donations; to spend; as, they expend mon…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Experience 76% connected

Trial, as a test or experiment.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Feel 76% connected

To perceive by the touch; to take cognizance of by means of the nerves of sensation distributed all over the body, especially by those of the skin; t…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Harm 76% connected

Injury; hurt; damage; detriment; misfortune.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Hurt 76% connected

A band on a trip-hammer helve, bearing the trunnions.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Hurting 76% connected

of Hurt

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Injury 76% connected

Any damage or violation of, the person, character, feelings, rights, property, or interests of an individual; that which injures, or occasions wrong,…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Make 76% connected

A companion; a mate; often, a husband or a wife.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Mar 76% connected

A small lake. See Mere.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Modify 76% connected

To change somewhat the form or qualities of; to alter somewhat; as, to modify a contrivance adapted to some mechanical purpose; to modify the terms o…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Pain 76% connected

Punishment suffered or denounced; suffering or evil inflicted as a punishment for crime, or connected with the commission of a crime; penalty.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Produce 76% connected

To bring forward; to lead forth; to offer to view or notice; to exhibit; to show; as, to produce a witness or evidence in court.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Ruin 76% connected

The act of falling or tumbling down; fall.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Scathe 76% connected

Alt. of Scath

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Shine 76% connected

To emit rays of light; to give light; to beam with steady radiance; to exhibit brightness or splendor; as, the sun shines by day; the moon shines by…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Smart 76% connected

To feel a lively, pungent local pain; -- said of some part of the body as the seat of irritation; as, my finger smarts; these wounds smart.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Squander 76% connected

To scatter; to disperse.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

trauma 76% connected

Serious emotional harm caused by a distressing event.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Treat 76% connected

To handle; to manage; to use; to bear one's self toward; as, to treat prisoners cruelly; to treat children kindly.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Turn 76% connected

To cause to move upon a center, or as if upon a center; to give circular motion to; to cause to revolve; to cause to move round, either partially, wh…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Use 76% connected

The act of employing anything, or of applying it to one's service; the state of being so employed or applied; application; employment; conversion to…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Waste 76% connected

Desolate; devastated; stripped; bare; hence, dreary; dismal; gloomy; cheerless.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Manner of action 21

Blacken 76% connected

To make or render black.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related verb as a more specific manner of this action.

Blaze 76% connected

A stream of gas or vapor emitting light and heat in the process of combustion; a bright flame.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related verb as a more specific manner of this action.

Cauterize 76% connected

To burn or sear with a cautery or caustic.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related verb as a more specific manner of this action.

Char 76% connected

Alt. of Charr

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related verb as a more specific manner of this action.

Coal 76% connected

A thoroughly charred, and extinguished or still ignited, fragment from wood or other combustible substance; charcoal.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related verb as a more specific manner of this action.

Cremate 76% connected

To burn; to reduce to ashes by the action of fire, either directly or in an oven or retort; to incremate or incinerate; as, to cremate a corpse, inst…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related verb as a more specific manner of this action.

Deflagrate 76% connected

To burn with a sudden and sparkling combustion, as niter; also, to snap and crackle with slight explosions when heated, as salt.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related verb as a more specific manner of this action.

Flame 76% connected

A stream of burning vapor or gas, emitting light and heat; darting or streaming fire; a blaze; a fire.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related verb as a more specific manner of this action.

Flare 76% connected

To burn with an unsteady or waving flame; as, the candle flares.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related verb as a more specific manner of this action.

Gutter 76% connected

A channel at the eaves of a roof for conveying away the rain; an eaves channel; an eaves trough.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related verb as a more specific manner of this action.

Ignite 76% connected

To kindle or set on fire; as, to ignite paper or wood.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related verb as a more specific manner of this action.

Light 76% connected

That agent, force, or action in nature by the operation of which upon the organs of sight, objects are rendered visible or luminous.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related verb as a more specific manner of this action.

Nettle 76% connected

A plant of the genus Urtica, covered with minute sharp hairs containing a poison that produces a stinging sensation. Urtica gracitis is common in the…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related verb as a more specific manner of this action.

Scald 76% connected

To burn with hot liquid or steam; to pain or injure by contact with, or immersion in, any hot fluid; as, to scald the hand.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related verb as a more specific manner of this action.

Scorch 76% connected

To burn superficially; to parch, or shrivel, the surface of, by heat; to subject to so much heat as changes color and texture without consuming; as,…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related verb as a more specific manner of this action.

Sear 76% connected

Alt. of Sere

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related verb as a more specific manner of this action.

Singe 76% connected

To burn slightly or superficially; to burn the surface of; to burn the ends or outside of; as, to singe the hair or the skin.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related verb as a more specific manner of this action.

Smolder 76% connected

Alt. of Smoulder

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related verb as a more specific manner of this action.

Smoulder 76% connected

To burn and smoke without flame; to waste away by a slow and supressed combustion.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related verb as a more specific manner of this action.

Torch 76% connected

A light or luminary formed of some combustible substance, as of resinous wood; a large candle or flambeau, or a lamp giving a large, flaring flame.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related verb as a more specific manner of this action.

Urticate 76% connected

To sting with, or as with, nettles; to irritate; to annoy.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related verb as a more specific manner of this action.

Narrower term 3

Scald 76% connected

To burn with hot liquid or steam; to pain or injure by contact with, or immersion in, any hot fluid; as, to scald the hand.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Scorch 76% connected

To burn superficially; to parch, or shrivel, the surface of, by heat; to subject to so much heat as changes color and texture without consuming; as,…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Singe 76% connected

To burn slightly or superficially; to burn the surface of; to burn the ends or outside of; as, to singe the hair or the skin.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Derivationally related 16

Burnable 74% connected

Combustible.

oewn 2023 15% interchangeable

Open English WordNet records a derivational relationship between these word forms.

Burnable 74% connected

Combustible.

oewn 2023 15% interchangeable

Open English WordNet records a derivational relationship between these word forms.

Burner 74% connected

One who, or that which, burns or sets fire to anything.

oewn 2023 15% interchangeable

Open English WordNet records a derivational relationship between these word forms.

Burner 74% connected

One who, or that which, burns or sets fire to anything.

oewn 2023 15% interchangeable

Open English WordNet records a derivational relationship between these word forms.

Cauterant 74% connected

A cauterizing substance.

oewn 2023 15% interchangeable

Open English WordNet records a derivational relationship between these word forms.

Cauterant 74% connected

A cauterizing substance.

oewn 2023 15% interchangeable

Open English WordNet records a derivational relationship between these word forms.

Cauterization 74% connected

The act of searing some morbid part by the application of a cautery or caustic; also, the effect of such application.

oewn 2023 15% interchangeable

Open English WordNet records a derivational relationship between these word forms.

Cauterization 74% connected

The act of searing some morbid part by the application of a cautery or caustic; also, the effect of such application.

oewn 2023 15% interchangeable

Open English WordNet records a derivational relationship between these word forms.

Cauterize 74% connected

To burn or sear with a cautery or caustic.

oewn 2023 15% interchangeable

Open English WordNet records a derivational relationship between these word forms.

Cauterize 74% connected

To burn or sear with a cautery or caustic.

oewn 2023 15% interchangeable

Open English WordNet records a derivational relationship between these word forms.

Cautery 74% connected

A burning or searing, as of morbid flesh, with a hot iron, or by application of a caustic that will burn, corrode, or destroy animal tissue.

oewn 2023 15% interchangeable

Open English WordNet records a derivational relationship between these word forms.

Cautery 74% connected

A burning or searing, as of morbid flesh, with a hot iron, or by application of a caustic that will burn, corrode, or destroy animal tissue.

oewn 2023 15% interchangeable

Open English WordNet records a derivational relationship between these word forms.

Sting 74% connected

Any sharp organ of offense and defense, especially when connected with a poison gland, and adapted to inflict a wound by piercing; as the caudal stin…

oewn 2023 15% interchangeable

Open English WordNet records a derivational relationship between these word forms.

Sting 74% connected

Any sharp organ of offense and defense, especially when connected with a poison gland, and adapted to inflict a wound by piercing; as the caudal stin…

oewn 2023 15% interchangeable

Open English WordNet records a derivational relationship between these word forms.

Stinger 74% connected

One who, or that which, stings.

oewn 2023 15% interchangeable

Open English WordNet records a derivational relationship between these word forms.

Stinger 74% connected

One who, or that which, stings.

oewn 2023 15% interchangeable

Open English WordNet records a derivational relationship between these word forms.

Causes 1

Entails 3

Fire 72% connected

The evolution of light and heat in the combustion of bodies; combustion; state of ignition.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet records that the source verb entails the related action.

Scorch 72% connected

To burn superficially; to parch, or shrivel, the surface of, by heat; to subject to so much heat as changes color and texture without consuming; as,…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet records that the source verb entails the related action.

Sear 72% connected

Alt. of Sere

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet records that the source verb entails the related action.

Synonym 10

Bite 92% connected

To seize with the teeth, so that they enter or nip the thing seized; to lacerate, crush, or wound with the teeth; as, to bite an apple; to bite a cru…

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

Burning 92% connected

of Burn

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

Cauterize 92% connected

To burn or sear with a cautery or caustic.

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

Combust 92% connected

Burnt; consumed.

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

Cut 92% connected

of Cut

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

Fire 92% connected

The evolution of light and heat in the combustion of bodies; combustion; state of ignition.

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

Glow 92% connected

To shine with an intense or white heat; to give forth vivid light and heat; to be incandescent.

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

Incinerate 92% connected

Reduced to ashes by burning; thoroughly consumed.

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

Sting 92% connected

Any sharp organ of offense and defense, especially when connected with a poison gland, and adapted to inflict a wound by piercing; as the caudal stin…

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

Sunburn 92% connected

To burn or discolor by the sun; to tan.

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

Explore further

Words from the same subject

These terms belong to the same specialist field or topic. They help you explore the subject, but they are not automatically synonyms.

Explore further

Words connected by meaning

Their definitions overlap or refer to similar ideas. Use these to widen your search, then compare the exact meanings.