as in hissing
to make a series of short, sharp noises
The logs crackled in the fire. The leaves crackled under our feet. a crackling fire
Related Words
Relevance
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 crackling
The game was played in a crackling atmosphere created in part by a conflicted, diasporic fan base that remains furious with the current Iranian government but is still largely supportive of Team Melli.
—
Greg Beacham,
Chicago Tribune,
16 June 2026
The game was played in a crackling atmosphere created in part by a conflicted, diasporic fan base which remains furious with the current Iranian government, but is still largely supportive of Team Melli.
—
ABC News,
15 June 2026
Hopp by Wix reports that a single YouTube video featuring a crackling fireplace has generated more than $1,275,729 in revenue.
—
Bybryan Robinson,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
The wafting smell of buttery grits floats in the air and the sound of oil crackling in pans bounces off concrete walls.
—
Delia Rose Sauer,
Miami Herald,
11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for crackling
Greg Beacham,
Chicago Tribune,
16 June 2026
The game was played in a crackling atmosphere created in part by a conflicted, diasporic fan base which remains furious with the current Iranian government, but is still largely supportive of Team Melli.
—
ABC News,
15 June 2026
Hopp by Wix reports that a single YouTube video featuring a crackling fireplace has generated more than $1,275,729 in revenue.
—
Bybryan Robinson,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
The wafting smell of buttery grits floats in the air and the sound of oil crackling in pans bounces off concrete walls.
—
Delia Rose Sauer,
Miami Herald,
11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for crackling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crackling
Verb
-
Louis let out a hissing breath.
-
However, some observers have reported hearing faint crackling or hissing noises during intense displays.
Verb
-
Around a bend, yellow wildflowers pop out of the underbrush, where curious deer and rustling ground squirrels (squinnies to this Iowan) startle.
-
Chongqing-style chicken rustling with red chiles, mapo tofu and gentle Hainan chicken rice check boxes for mass appeal.
Verb
-
When Vegas was sputtering in late March, with the 19th-best record in the NHL, the fact that its core was signed long-term with little cap space to maneuver could’ve been easily viewed as a detriment.
-
In the end, despite the early promise and intrigue, The Boroughs is just another bland, unsatisfying Netflix Original series limping and sputtering to its foregone conclusion.
Cite this Entry
“Crackling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crackling. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
