crackles

Definition of cracklesnext
present tense third-person singular of crackle
as in hisses
to make a series of short, sharp noises The logs crackled in the fire. The leaves crackled under our feet. a crackling fire

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of crackles One hand rests on his handlebars, the other works a walkie-talkie, through which crackles news of wildlife sightings. Tom Vanderbilt, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Mar. 2026 Their chemistry is instant and combustible, blurring the line between rivalry and desire as every argument crackles with temptation. Joe Otterson, Variety, 19 Feb. 2026 The whole show crackles with anything-can-happen energy. Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026 The dynamic between Portman and Ortega crackles with a specific kind of tension — the older woman who sees her younger self and resents it, the younger woman who sees her future and fears it. Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Refinery29, 28 Jan. 2026 Filmed entirely with iPhone 5S cameras, Tangerine crackles with immediacy and authenticity. Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Dec. 2025 At the tip of a private peninsula in North Falmouth, the waterfront estate at 40 Point Road feels like the kind of place made for gatherings — where the fire crackles, champagne flutes catch the winter light, and the view stretches endlessly across the bay. Miriam Schwartz, Boston Herald, 7 Nov. 2025 Pluribus crackles with terrific comic tension as Carol wakes up next to her dead partner, filled with grief yet spoiling for a fight. Scott Tobias, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2025 Gunfire crackles and screams echo through Eeka McLeod’s home in Phoenix, Arizona. Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crackles
Verb
  • In Whale’s picture, the bride doesn’t talk — only screams or hisses like an irritated cat — and is brought to life 5 minutes before the credits roll.
    Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 6 Mar. 2026
  • If steam bubbles and hisses out of the end grain as the firewood heats up on the fire, the wood is wet or green and needs to be seasoned longer before burning.
    Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Even Super Dog makes an appearance — cape, mask and all — ready to leap into action the moment a snack bag rustles.
    Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Meanwhile, hikers trace goat paths to the secluded Tatevi Anapat Hermitage, where wind rustles through fig trees and the only sound is the echo of footfalls on ancient stone.
    Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • If guilt pops up around spending, remember compassion guides wise choices.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2026
  • Frank Lloyd Wright is one of the most famous architects of all time, and every so often, one of his homes pops up for sale.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 17 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The arc of the season sputters between big and little problems in a haphazard manner, with strange side quests for Simon and Trevor that are more head-scratching than adventurous.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 27 Jan. 2026
  • That's why, for weeks, Browns fans, analysts, and even local radio hosts have pressed Cleveland to give Sanders more playing time as the offense sputters under Dillon Gabriel.
    Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Crackles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crackles. Accessed 26 Mar. 2026.

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