Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

burning

[bur-ning] / ˈbɜr nɪŋ /
ADJECTIVE
blazing, flashing
Synonyms
STRONGEST
fiery flaming gleaming glowing hot scorching searing
STRONG
alight blistering broiling enkindled flaring heated ignited illuminated kindled oxidizing sizzling smoking smouldering
WEAK
afire aflame conflagrant in flames incandescent on fire red-hot torrid white-hot
Antonyms
STRONGEST
cold cool
ADJECTIVE
fervent, excited
Synonyms
STRONGEST
blazing
STRONG
eager earnest heated
WEAK
all-consuming ardent fervid feverish frantic frenzied hectic impassioned intense passionate red-hot vehement white-hot zealous
Antonyms
STRONG
unconcerned unenthusiastic
WEAK
apathetic cold cool unexcited unimportant
ADJECTIVE
stinging, painful
Synonyms
STRONG
biting caustic irritating piercing prickling reeking sharp smarting tingling
WEAK
acrid painful pungent
Antonyms
STRONG
bland calm kind mild nice
ADJECTIVE
important
Synonyms
STRONG
acute compelling essential imperative instant pressing
WEAK
clamant clamorous critical crucial crying dire exigent importunate significant urgent vital
Antonyms
STRONG
inessential optional secondary unimportant

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The Times asked readers for their burning questions regarding the Olympics, and it’s the ticketing process that’s bringing the most heat.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

“There’s no point in burning cash in the near term on flying that just can’t absorb these fuel costs,” Kirby said in a letter to employees on March 20.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

"Still a lot of it was... not burning really but still smouldering," he added.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

The company is burning usage rates and a good bit of customer goodwill.

From Slate • Apr. 14, 2026

There had been a great burning flash—he had been knocked to the ground by it, sand in his eyes and mouth—and a single moment’s pause; and then the whole Earth shook.

From "Impossible Creatures" by Katherine Rundell