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.
This became one of many accelerants for smartphones overtaking LMR as the primary communication method for first responders. Julie Song, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025 Openness to trade and foreign investment remains a critical accelerant of high-quality growth. Saadia Zahidi, Foreign Affairs, 17 Jan. 2025 Advertisement Prosecutors said the chain of events began after Cole allegedly used an accelerant to set a bush on fire at the Fountain Valley home of his sister’s fiancé. Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024 The war in Ukraine, however, has poured high-octane accelerant on these embers of cooperation, and the resulting collaborations have damaged Western interests. Christopher S. Chivvis, Foreign Affairs, 18 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for accelerant

Word History

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of accelerant was in 1824

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Cite this Entry

“Accelerant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/accelerant. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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