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
Isabel Debre, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
The lint will light quickly and get your kindling off to a good start.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 3 Feb. 2026
Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026
Even minor parks or embers might be carried into leaves or grass, kindling a fire that can swiftly expand.
—Kansas City Star Weather Bot, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for kindling
Noun
The invasive species have replaced native, more fire-resistant ecosystems in the region, turning shrub, brush and grass into kindling.
—Isabel Debre, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
The lint will light quickly and get your kindling off to a good start.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 3 Feb. 2026
Verb
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
Even minor parks or embers might be carried into leaves or grass, kindling a fire that can swiftly expand.
—Kansas City Star Weather Bot, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for kindling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kindling
Noun
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The country's blockade has throttled traffic through the channel, driving up fuel prices and threatening the global economy.—
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
-
After weeks of overnight fuel thefts, Rocklin police arrested a suspect during an early Thursday traffic stop, the department announced.—
Reeti Malhotra,
Sacbee.com,
19 June 2026
Verb
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Video shared by a witness from the scene showed emergency responders attempting to crack open the plane’s windshield as authorities and bystanders assisted several people out of the burning aircraft.—
Diego Mendoza,
CNN Money,
17 June 2026
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At the same time, that quote and Ruth’s attitude also implies that nothing can be done to extinguish the fire in the perpetually burning building.—
Jen Chaney,
Vulture,
17 June 2026
Noun
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The Ariane 6 got some extra oomph on this flight from four strap-on, solid-propellant P160C boosters.—
Mike Wall,
Space.com,
17 June 2026
-
Beyond storing propellant, the structure also serves a dual purpose as a load-bearing component of the spacecraft, effectively becoming part of the vehicle’s frame and improving overall mass efficiency.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
14 June 2026
Verb
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Fans were seen climbing onto and attempting to flip over a taxi, igniting fireworks, throwing glass bottles and getting into fights, police allege.—
Ben Brachfeld,
PEOPLE,
12 June 2026
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In that same county, the Grayslake Village Board recently approved a massive data-center complex, igniting a firestorm within the normally quiet exurb.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
12 June 2026
Noun
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The low-wing, single-engine turboprop plane was not able to make it to full power, according to officials with the Bates County Emergency Management Agency.—
Ben Wheeler,
Kansas City Star,
15 June 2026
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The sweeping changes will reflect Britain’s values, helping to protect children online while pushing back against the power of big technology companies, Starmer told a press conference.—
Reuters,
CNN Money,
15 June 2026
Verb
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After more talk of intimate moments that occurred during the shoot, and a few anecdotes about nipples, Shaver then redirected the conversation, lighting things up in her characteristic way.—
Elaina Patton,
IndieWire,
16 June 2026
-
Have only one person lighting fireworks.—
Jeff Wagner,
CBS News,
16 June 2026
Noun
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Wellness gurus will also appreciate the range of treatments and healing modalities on offer at The Lotus Spa, from classic massages and facials to Reiki energy work and sound baths.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 June 2026
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Set your thermostat to 78°F in summer to balance comfort and energy savings.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
12 June 2026
Verb
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As with any outdoor activity in New Mexico, prepare for a harsh sun, alternately scorching heat or freezing cold depending on the season–this is desert–and potential dehydration.—
Chadd Scott,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
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Keeping fans cool When Levi’s Stadium first opened in 2014 as the new 49ers home venue, a lot was made of the sun scorching the eastern grandstands where the majority of seats are.—
Chris Biderman,
Sacbee.com,
13 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Kindling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kindling. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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