rekindle
verb
re·kin·dle
ˌrē-ˈkin-dᵊl 
rekindled; rekindling
1
transitive
: to kindle (something) again
rekindle a fire
On the way the torch went out, and we took shelter in a small and lonely Christian chapel to rekindle it.—
Robert Louis Stevenson
: to start or stir up (something) again
Robert Louis StevensonThe couple appeared to rekindle their romance, exchanging loving messages promising to try to make the relationship work again …—Sarah Ward
Sarah Ward"… You get a chance to meet up with people and rekindle memories … "—Paul O'Connell
Paul O'ConnellIts election offered an example of how to rekindle interest in politics …—Vrasidas Karalis
Vrasidas KaralisHer story is one of those great stories of love, commitment and perseverance that rekindle your hope for humanity …—Kimberly Fletcher
Kimberly Fletcher2
intransitive
: to begin to burn again : to flare up again
Firefighters were called back to the scene around 6 a.m. when the flames rekindled.—Mike Hasch
Mike Hasch
Synonyms
Examples of rekindle in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Lopez and Affleck have since rekindled their romance, and the couple married in 2022.
—Ashley Iasimone, Billboard, 27 Nov. 2023
Since then, a stint living in Miami, scattered trips to Spain and Latin America, and a few binges on
Duolingo
have rekindled my linguistic urges, this time for Spanish.
—Matthew Kronsberg, WSJ, 25 Oct. 2023
The subpoenas to the president’s son and brother came as Republicans pushed to rekindle an impeachment inquiry that faced delays during the jockeying to select a new House speaker, a race that exposed fissures within the GOP conference.
—C. Ryan Barber, WSJ, 9 Nov. 2023
There is hope that Burns can help jumpstart those efforts, including rekindling the hostage diplomacy that faltered at the end of October.
—Margaret Brennan, CBS News, 8 Nov. 2023
Cuevas and Torres rekindled their efforts, traveling to Mexico to recruit doctors.
—Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2023
Two months later, Zolciak rekindled her relationship with the former NFL player and filed a motion to dismiss her petition.
—Esther Kang, Peoplemag, 4 Nov. 2023
When the fling with Wilson fizzled out, Strickland rekindled his relationship with Armstrong.
—Timothy Bella, Washington Post, 2 Nov. 2023
The latter message proves instructive: The couple warmly rekindle their affection for each other and eventually dance together through the empty airport.
—Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Nov. 2023
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Ashley Iasimone, Billboard, 27 Nov. 2023
Since then, a stint living in Miami, scattered trips to Spain and Latin America, and a few binges on
Duolingo
have rekindled my linguistic urges, this time for Spanish.
—Matthew Kronsberg, WSJ, 25 Oct. 2023
The subpoenas to the president’s son and brother came as Republicans pushed to rekindle an impeachment inquiry that faced delays during the jockeying to select a new House speaker, a race that exposed fissures within the GOP conference.
—C. Ryan Barber, WSJ, 9 Nov. 2023
There is hope that Burns can help jumpstart those efforts, including rekindling the hostage diplomacy that faltered at the end of October.
—Margaret Brennan, CBS News, 8 Nov. 2023
Cuevas and Torres rekindled their efforts, traveling to Mexico to recruit doctors.
—Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2023
Two months later, Zolciak rekindled her relationship with the former NFL player and filed a motion to dismiss her petition.
—Esther Kang, Peoplemag, 4 Nov. 2023
When the fling with Wilson fizzled out, Strickland rekindled his relationship with Armstrong.
—Timothy Bella, Washington Post, 2 Nov. 2023
The latter message proves instructive: The couple warmly rekindle their affection for each other and eventually dance together through the empty airport.
—Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Nov. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rekindle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1592, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near rekindle
Cite this Entry
“Rekindle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rekindle. Accessed 2 Dec. 2023.
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More from Merriam-Webster on rekindle
Nglish: Translation of rekindle for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of rekindle for Arabic Speakers
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