rekindle

verb

re·​kin·​dle ˌrē-ˈkin-dᵊl How to pronounce rekindle (audio)
rekindled; rekindling
Synonyms of rekindlenext
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
The couple appeared to rekindle their romance, exchanging loving messages promising to try to make the relationship work again …Sarah Ward
"… You get a chance to meet up with people and rekindle memories … "Paul O'Connell
Its election offered an example of how to rekindle interest in politics …Vrasidas Karalis
Her story is one of those great stories of love, commitment and perseverance that rekindle your hope for humanity …Kimberly Fletcher
2
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

Examples of rekindle in a Sentence

the trip to Ireland rekindled her interest in learning Gaelic
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The concept was rekindled in the 2017 movie satire starring Dwayne Johnson. Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 14 Apr. 2026 But the cigars remain as do the memories, which are rekindled by the letters and autograph requests that still arrive regularly in the mailbox. Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2026 But whether or not the good are rewarded, the greedy get their comeuppance, or old creative sparks are rekindled soon become beside the point. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2026 The play follows two upper-class wives who, left alone while their husbands are away, rekindle memories of past romances over drinks. Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 8 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rekindle

Word History

First Known Use

1592, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rekindle was in 1592

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Cite this Entry

“Rekindle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rekindle. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.

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