as in to burn
to set (something) on fire
worried that lightning will kindle the forest in the drought-stricken nature preserve
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Recent Examples of kindle
The ballroom aces met on Broadway, kindled a romance on the reality dancing competition, and married in 2017.
—
Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Dec. 2025
In some instances, the amygdala is doing the opposite of kindling fear—instead, trying to quell fear, and in doing so, inhibits breathing.
—Julia Daye, Popular Science, 3 Dec. 2025
Letter, which is not a romantic fantasy but is rather a straight-up romance, is one of her earlier books and was re-released this year, hitting best-seller status and re-kindling Hollywood interest.
—Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 11 Nov. 2025
The drought and near-record temperatures dried out the lush scrub, turning it to kindling.
—Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 10 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for kindle
Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Dec. 2025
In some instances, the amygdala is doing the opposite of kindling fear—instead, trying to quell fear, and in doing so, inhibits breathing.
—Julia Daye, Popular Science, 3 Dec. 2025
Letter, which is not a romantic fantasy but is rather a straight-up romance, is one of her earlier books and was re-released this year, hitting best-seller status and re-kindling Hollywood interest.
—Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 11 Nov. 2025
The drought and near-record temperatures dried out the lush scrub, turning it to kindling.
—Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 10 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for kindle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kindle
Verb
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Melody Townsend was convicted after the body of her daughter, Ana Marie Townsend, was found by first responders wrapped in plastic inside the attic of a burned, abandoned home in the 15400 block of Hamlin Avenue in Markham in 2017.—
Jeramie Bizzle,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
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When James Watt improved steam engine efficiency, factories did not burn the same amount of coal to do the same work.—
Jon Markman,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Ventura County Fire Chief Dustin Gardner announced Friday that his department has reached an agreement with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection for an independent review of operations during the initial wildfire, which ignited and was contained in October 2024.—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
31 Jan. 2026
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Investigators said the fire was caused in part by a blaze that ignited near part of Xcel’s electrical distribution system, where a power line became loose.—
Judith Kohler,
Denver Post,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The streets are begrimed by factory smoke, fecund with horse dung and lit by lanterns.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Jan. 2026
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No one even lives here, said Chuky, trying to light a cigarette but foiled by a laugh.—
Jonathan Miles,
Harpers Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Lakeside's previous police chief, who also served as mayor, Robert Gordanaire, was fired after he and his daughter, the town clerk, were indicted by a grand jury for selling vehicles belonging to the town and pocketing the profit.—
Brian Maass,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
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Even the oldest maxim about cab drivers and bell hops giving share prices was tested by relating an anecdote about comments in his village pub from locals and complete strangers firing questions at him and a fellow gold trader about the gold price.—
Tim Treadgold,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The soon-to-be 38-year old torched the Mavericks to the tune of 38 points, making 8 of 15 3-point field goals.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
23 Jan. 2026
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One tenant claims Petrusan sprayed her with bear mace and that Petrusan’s boyfriend torched her car, though Petrusan and her boyfriend deny that and the case is still under investigation.—
Ruben Vives,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
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During Tuesday's quarterfinal between Aryna Sabalenka and Iva Jovic - the last match played under scorching sun - the players held ice packs to their heads and portable fans to their faces during breaks in play.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
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Additionally, when baking at high heat (above 425°F), parchment paper could scorch or become brittle.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
25 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Kindle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kindle. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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