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

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 This should make light work of precisely slicing through leather and fabrics, opening packages, and preparing kindling and food. — New Atlas, 10 Mar. 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

Fighting in the region has kept oil tankers from using the waterway to deliver crude to customers from the Persian Gulf, driving up fuel prices worldwide.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 July 2026
America became the gas and diesel exporter of last resort after the Middle East stopped exporting fuel during the war.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 14 July 2026

Definition of fuel

Verb

While Starlink's connectivity business is profitable, its average revenue per user is declining, forcing it to subsidize the cash-burning Space and AI divisions.

— Peter Cohan, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Spain and Portugal have faced deadly fires before Spain is no stranger to wildfires, with last year’s fire season burning almost 1,520 square miles, according to the European Forest Fire Information System, an area twice as large as London.

— Suman Naishadham, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026

Definition of burning

Noun

This includes things like explosives for warheads, demolition charges, rocket and missile propellant, and pyrotechnics like flares, igniters, etc.

— Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 11 July 2026
If all goes according to plan, the launch will bring Starship V3 closer to more ambitious tests, including orbital insertion, propellant transfer and the recovery of both stages back at Starbase.

— Josh Dinner, Space.com, 10 July 2026

Definition of propellant

Verb

The blaze remained confined to the wrecking yard property, despite briefly jumping a fence and igniting vegetation to the west.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2026
At the party, Decastro spent over an hour shooting off fireworks in the street, eventually igniting the $400 firework.

— Seamus Bozeman, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026

Definition of igniting

Noun

Whatever ailed this World Cup, the beautiful game was waiting with its healing powers.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 12 July 2026
While there is undeniable star power, and an unerring ability to get the job done, England will have opportunities to make a mark of their own.

— Stuart James, New York Times, 12 July 2026

Definition of power

Verb

Meanwhile, the La Habra Police Department posted a less flashy video to Facebook showing a drone video of a person lighting a firework in the middle of a residential street.

— Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 10 July 2026
Masses of young people ages 15 to 25 packed the sand around the Newport Pier, lighting off fireworks that sent sparks into crowds.

— Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026

Definition of lighting

Noun

That raised concerns that the region could tip back into a war that would engulf several countries and could halt energy shipments through the strait that are crucial for the global economy.

— Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
Things also remain precarious in the Strait of Hormuz – and experts say the latest attacks likely won’t remove Iran’s ability to threaten shipping in one of the world’s most important energy arteries.

— Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 9 July 2026

Definition of energy

Verb

Rhode Islanders celebrated America's 250th anniversary at the Bristol Fourth of July parade despite scorching temperatures.

— Nolan Rogalski, The Providence Journal, 5 July 2026
On the corner of West 31st Street and Seventh Avenue, right outside Madison Square Garden, the heat was scorching as the temperature inched to 100 degrees.

— Emily Yahr, Washington Post, 4 July 2026

Definition of scorching

Browse Nearby Words

kindliness

kindling

kindlings

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Style

“Kindling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kindling. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of kindling

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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