kindling 1 of 2

noun

Definition of kindlingnext
as in fuel

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kindling

2 of 2

verb

present participle of kindle
as in burning
to set (something) on fire worried that lightning will kindle the forest in the drought-stricken nature preserve

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 kindling
Noun
Hundreds of fires have started across southern and coastal Georgia, with dozens of new fires every day, and officials say drought conditions provided the kindling. — Irene Wright, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026 Then her husband, Kasoun, covers his hands in towels and picks up the metal tray with the kindling, bricks and clay pot and places it outside. — Diaa Hadid, NPR, 16 Apr. 2026
Verb
Which kindling splitter is best? — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 19 May 2026 The Lakers picked up steam down the stretch in the regular season, winning 16 of 18 heading into April and kindling hope of being a dark-horse candidate to give trouble to the Thunder or Spurs in the playoffs. — ABC News, 12 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for kindling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kindling
  1. fuel
  2. burning
  3. propellant
  4. igniting
  5. power
  6. lighting
  7. energy
  8. scorching
Noun
  • Drivers in the Iranian capital of Tehran are experiencing long lines at gas stations and temporary fuel shortages, according to Iranian news agencies, although authorities have insisted the overall fuel supply chain remains stable.
    — Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Ukraine's long-range drones have repeatedly hit facilities in Russia's vital oil industry, causing fuel shortages, and have also engaged in a campaign against Russia's largest online retailer Wildberries.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of fuel
Verb
  • The Ross Fire burning west of Fort Worth in Palo Pinto County appears to be holding steady at around 85,000 acres and 26% containment Friday, according to Texas A&M Forest Service officials.
    — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Planet-heating emissions from burning fossil fuels such as oil, gas and coal are the primary driver of climate change.
    — Ava Berger, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of burning
Noun
  • The missile uses a solid-propellant rocket motor and is designed for long-range flight.
    — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Helium gas is commonly used to pressurize and purge rocket propellant systems, and liquid helium is often used to cool sensitive scientific instruments on spacecraft.
    — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of propellant
Verb
  • Napier’s fate was effectively sealed in 2025 when defensive tackle Brendan Bett was penalized and ejected for spitting on a USF player, igniting the Bulls’ game-winning drive.
    — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026
  • However, data show that roads actually tend to increase the risk of fires igniting.
    — Patrick Parenteau, The Conversation, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of igniting
Noun
  • As Itauma continued attempting to throw power punches, Hrgović knew his opponent had nothing left and went for the kill.
    — Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The last act before festival founder Olivia Rodrigo, Roan turned it out with all of her powers—bolstered by a bold and bitchy, razor-sharp bob.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of power
Verb
  • Since Harald's death Friday morning, tens of thousands of Norwegians have expressed their grief by laying flowers, writing cards and lighting candles in front of the royal palace in Oslo, where the coffin arrived late Friday from the hospital.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The 60 Hz, 10-point touch panel is edge-lit, which is the less-expensive way of lighting the LCD panel, and the lighting isn't perfectly uniform across the screen.
    — Joe Salas August 28, New Atlas, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of lighting
Noun
  • Collaboration improves when everyone knows where to place their energy.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
  • But the reflation boost appears to be petering out as much of the price recovery has been driven by surging global energy costs, while domestic demand lags.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of energy
Verb
  • Persistent drought and scorching heat this summer have ravaged ecosystems and businesses across the region, from a lake in Slovenia and the side channel of the Danube in Serbia, to fish farms in Bosnia, the Czech Republic, Romania and Hungary.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026
  • While cooler fall days may be on the horizon, many students returning to school are still dealing with scorching end-of-summer temperatures.
    — Justin Klawans, TheWeek, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of scorching

Browse Nearby Words

kindliness
kindling
kindlings
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Cite this Entry

“Kindling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kindling. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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