Meaning & use
Accelerant
Last updated
A substance, especially a flammable liquid, used to speed up a process such as combustion.
See it in a sentence
Investigators found traces of an accelerant at the scene, suggesting the fire was set deliberately.
Venture capital can act as an accelerant for a young company's growth.
A note on using this word
While most associated with arson investigations, where fire accelerants like gasoline are common evidence, 'accelerant' is increasingly used figuratively in business to describe anything that speeds up growth.
Words with a similar meaning
catalystpropellant
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
retardantinhibitor
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “Accelerant”, then compare your use with the examples above.
Your draft stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.