as in burning
to set (something) on fire
worried that lightning will kindle the forest in the drought-stricken nature preserve
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in fuel
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of kindling
New Atlas, 24 May 2025
But the French government’s attempt to fire the head of the Cinémathèque Française earlier that year supplied crucial kindling.
—Eric Grode, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025
And Sankey and his athletic directors should leave in the Gulf of Mexico the especially flammable pile of kindling that Petitti has been trying to sell them.
—Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 30 May 2025
My outfit, which seemed drab mere moments ago, is suddenly impossibly chic, elevated to high fashion by the completely insane amount of kindling in my arms.
—Maeve Dunigan, New Yorker, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for kindling
Verb
There are certainly plenty of folding saws that look up to the task of slicing up kindling and firewood and carrying lightly through the wild, but beyond maybe a couple of nice Opinel folders, not much that wouldn't look severely outclassed by a Helle or Gränsfors.
—New Atlas, 24 May 2025
But the French government’s attempt to fire the head of the Cinémathèque Française earlier that year supplied crucial kindling.
—Eric Grode, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025
And Sankey and his athletic directors should leave in the Gulf of Mexico the especially flammable pile of kindling that Petitti has been trying to sell them.
—Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 30 May 2025
My outfit, which seemed drab mere moments ago, is suddenly impossibly chic, elevated to high fashion by the completely insane amount of kindling in my arms.
—Maeve Dunigan, New Yorker, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for kindling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kindling
Verb
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The company built a retail and residential complex around the county’s Coconut Grove Metrorail station, and Martin also is pitching an incinerator site in western Miami-Dade as an alternative to the Levine Cava plan to rebuild the trash-burning facility in Doral.—
Douglas Hanks,
Miami Herald,
4 Jan. 2025
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President Biden awarded the coveted Medal of Valor on Friday to a pair of heroic FDNY firefighters who ignored intense flames and selflessly raced into danger to save desperate New Yorkers who were trapped in burning buildings.—
Leonard Greene,
New York Daily News,
3 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Depending on the membership level, members can get free delivery, 2X fuel points and savings on groceries, in addition to the same sale and digital coupons that the grocer offers to all of its customers.—
Susan Selasky,
Freep.com,
15 July 2025
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Buc-ee’s has $25 million in annual gross taxable sales, which comes in part from its 18 million gallons of fuel sold each year, according to the presentation.—
Erik S. Hanley,
jsonline.com,
15 July 2025
Verb
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With Mercury stationing direct in Pisces — igniting your expressive fifth house of love, creativity and passion — everything from your hobbies to your romantic longings is getting back on track.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
7 Apr. 2025
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The Table Rock Fire has burned more than 13,000 acres total in South Carolina and North Carolina since igniting on March 21, the South Carolina Forestry Commission said Tuesday.—
Meredith Deliso,
ABC News,
1 Apr. 2025
Noun
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According to SpaceX, the cause of the seventh flight’s failure was stronger-than-expected rhythmic oscillations, causing leaks of propellant that caught fire.—
Karoline Leonard,
Austin American Statesman,
4 July 2025
-
The sudden explosion, fueled by ignition of methane propellant, created a huge fireball, billowing clouds of smoke and brilliant arcs of flaming debris shooting out like burning chunks of lava in a volcanic eruption.—
William Harwood,
CBS News,
19 June 2025
Verb
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Stray animals are also at risk of suffering from heat exhaustion during scorching summers.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
Newsweek,
2 Jan. 2025
-
Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently to avoid scorching the milk.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
28 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Colombia) Set during Colombia’s 1992 energy crisis, following Ester and Leo, a couple whose road trip takes a tragic turn when Ester vanishes without explanation.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
15 July 2025
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Carbohydrates are macronutrients that your body breaks down for energy.—
Sarah Bence,
Verywell Health,
15 July 2025
Noun
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Matt Mercer will be the Game Master for the first four shows, while Travis Willingham will take on the seat and the power of the GM for the first time in Dallas.—
Rob Wieland,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
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Both political parties have tested the line in trying to harness the power of the pulpit, with many Republicans wooing evangelical leaders while Democrats often try to curry favor with Black churches.—
Tiffany Li,
ABC News,
15 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Kindling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kindling. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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