KINDLING Synonyms: 56 Similar and Opposite Words

kindling 1 of 2

noun

Definition of kindling

as in fuel

Related Words

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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

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 The Dodgers entered Saturday with the best record in MLB and leading the National League in several offensive categories, and the Texas Rangers continued to add kindling to the fire. — Dan Arritt, Oc Register, 12 Apr. 2026

Verb

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 Rather than have their payroll and egos be kindling for clubhouse dysfunction, the Dodgers have found a formula to keep their winning ways going. — Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for kindling

Recent Examples of Synonyms for kindling

Noun

And, crucially, removing fuel is the only element of the natural factors affecting the spread of a wildfire that humans can control.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
After spending months negotiating a pricey purchase of the private fuel yard that keeps PortMiami ships running, two top deputies to Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava were shocked when their boss abruptly rejected the deal.

— Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 28 July 2026

Definition of fuel

Verb

Instead of burning capital on traditional endorsement checks, KANE built its network organically across NBA rosters, 26 NFL franchises, and more than 60 college athletic programs, from Nebraska to Stanford to the University of Miami Hurricanes.

— Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
All that fire in the air asks us to fan our own flames without burning it all down.

— Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of burning

Noun

The German defense contractor is one of the world's largest ammunition manufacturers and one of the few manufacturers to cover the entire value chain, from the gunpowder propellant to the bullet casing.

— Elsa Ohlen,Greg Kennedy, CNBC, 23 July 2026
The maneuver was also meant to give the vehicle's propulsion system a bit of a break and even save some propellant while adjusting its trajectory if needed, NASA said.

— Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 21 July 2026

Definition of propellant

Verb

Rich silver veins had been discovered in 1879, igniting a 14-year mining boom.

— John Meyer, Denver Post, 26 July 2026
An intervention would risk shattering Lebanon, igniting sectarian strife, and further destabilizing the entire region, potentially undermining Sharaa's government.

— Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026

Definition of igniting

Noun

The study provides two examples of Paramount using its market power in order to try and change the tax incentive structure in its favor.

— Rick Ellis, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
In recent weeks, Perez has heated up at the plate and started to showcase the raw power he is known for.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026

Definition of power

Verb

The Martin Fire, which started east of Bellevue on July 9, was sparked when an adult white male was lighting fireworks with his children, according to the news release.

— Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 23 July 2026
The brand equity that shop spent decades building is precisely the asset the buyer paid for, so painting over it would be lighting money on fire.

— Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 23 July 2026

Definition of lighting

Noun

These include rising bond yields, recent hawkish speeches, three July dissents from Fed policymakers and energy pricing remaining generally elevated.

— Simon Moore, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
Over the first half of the year, the British energy major saw its profits balloon 70% compared with the year before.

— Salma Arafa, CNN Money, 30 July 2026

Definition of energy

Verb

Whipped by strong winds amid 100-plus degree temperatures, that spark grew into California’s fourth-largest wildfire on record, ultimately scorching some 429,000 acres and destroying 427 homes.

— Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 25 July 2026
Keep the flames below the bottom edge of the pot to prevent scorching.

— Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 25 July 2026

Definition of scorching

Browse Nearby Words

kindliness

kindling

kindlings

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

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Synonyms of kindling

noun

verb

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