as in fuel
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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
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Recent Examples of kindling
Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 3 Feb. 2026
Daniel’s infamous tweet might have sparked Guinneissik’s entry into an international story, but the kindling had been accumulating for years.
—James Gui, Pitchfork, 3 Feb. 2026
Southern California Weather Report, Oc Register, 20 Dec. 2025
In some instances, the amygdala is doing the opposite of kindling fear—instead, trying to quell fear, and in doing so, inhibits breathing.
—Julia Daye, Popular Science, 3 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for kindling
Noun
Simply light the edge of the paper egg cup and place it next to your kindling to get a good blaze started.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 3 Feb. 2026
Daniel’s infamous tweet might have sparked Guinneissik’s entry into an international story, but the kindling had been accumulating for years.
—James Gui, Pitchfork, 3 Feb. 2026
Verb
Refrain from kindling fires with debris or any other materials during an air quality alert.
—Southern California Weather Report, Oc Register, 20 Dec. 2025
In some instances, the amygdala is doing the opposite of kindling fear—instead, trying to quell fear, and in doing so, inhibits breathing.
—Julia Daye, Popular Science, 3 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for kindling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kindling
Noun
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Our approach would replace the outdated fuel-tax model with an annual fee based on vehicle weight, collected by states at the point of registration.—
Andrew Stasiowski,
Boston Herald,
24 Apr. 2026
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Money comes in and is spent at a brutal pace within a high-inflation environment marked, in particular, by rising fuel and food prices.—
CNN Staff,
CNN Money,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Weeks later, another house in the exact same spot was burning — again in the name of science.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
21 Apr. 2026
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This avoids burning the cups and creates the perfect steamy environment for poaching.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The non-aerosol propellant sprays out a water-resistant formula with SPF 30.—
Jamie Allison Sanders,
PEOPLE,
12 Apr. 2026
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The problem stems from a leak in the service module’s propulsion system, which affects the pressurization of propellant tanks.—
Jackie Wattles,
CNN Money,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
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People living in areas with red flag warnings are asked to take extra precautions to avoid accidentally igniting a fire.—
Adam Kovac,
Scientific American,
23 Apr. 2026
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According to the Attorney General's office, the defendants are accused of throwing incendiary devices at a Brasfield & Gorrie facility in Cobb County in May 2022, damaging property and igniting nearby land while employees were inside the building.—
Zachary Bynum,
CBS News,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Nineteen even-strength saves, five power-play saves, no muss, no fuss.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
20 Apr. 2026
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The 6-foot-1, 215-pound Ramoley generates tremendous power from the right side of the plate, as demonstrated by his three-run homer.—
Patrick Z. McGavin,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Create the perfect mood lighting for your backyard living room with these hanging fairy lights.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Delisle pleaded guilty to stabbing his father in April 2025 and lighting the family’s mobile home on fire in the 1000 block of 3rd Street North, according to a judgment of conviction.—
Sally Krutzig,
Idaho Statesman,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Just being able to be available every single day and also just bring energy and be a good clubhouse guy.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Apr. 2026
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The ambiance and energy were incredible.—
Tony Jones,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The Lakers were connected, apparently having had time to adjust to the loss of their two leading scorers, LeBron James acting as a brilliant playmaker for scorching hot shooters like Kennard, who hit all five of his treys in scoring a career playoff-high 27 points.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Apr. 2026
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Phoenix's Jalen Green was scorching hot in the two play-in games.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
18 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Kindling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kindling. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
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