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 pair were married from August 2022 to August 2024 after rekindling their early aughts romance. Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 2 June 2026 At the very least, rekindle connections once a year to wish a happy new year or to check in over the summer about vacation plans. Caroline Ceniza-Levine, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026 In 2021, Affleck and Lopez rekindled their romance and got engaged for a second time in April of 2022, getting married in July 2022. Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 28 May 2026 Is Kadri past his prime, his acquisition at the trade deadline a desperate attempt to rekindle past glory? Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 27 May 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 5 Jun. 2026.

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