The phrase "burnt at the stake" refers to a brutal method of execution where a person is tied to a wooden stake and burned to death. Since this phrase is extremely morbid, many people prefer to use other words or phrases to convey the same meaning. Some of these synonyms include immolation, incineration, and execution by fire. Other phrases that could be used as substitutes are "put to the flame" or "sentenced to death by burning." While these phrases do not lessen the gravity of the execution, they do provide an alternative to the harsh language that can be off-putting to some readers.