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
Julia Frankel, Fortune, 23 Jan. 2026
Yet skepticism about the lofty valuations and massive spending plans of major AI players had been building like a pile of dry kindling.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 29 Dec. 2025
Julia Daye, Popular Science, 3 Dec. 2025
Letter, which is not a romantic fantasy but is rather a straight-up romance, is one of her earlier books and was re-released this year, hitting best-seller status and re-kindling Hollywood interest.
—Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 11 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for kindling
Noun
The United Nations says unexploded shells and missiles are everywhere in Gaza, posing a threat to people searching through rubble to find their relatives, belongings, and kindling.
—Julia Frankel, Fortune, 23 Jan. 2026
Yet skepticism about the lofty valuations and massive spending plans of major AI players had been building like a pile of dry kindling.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 29 Dec. 2025
Verb
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
Letter, which is not a romantic fantasy but is rather a straight-up romance, is one of her earlier books and was re-released this year, hitting best-seller status and re-kindling Hollywood interest.
—Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 11 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for kindling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kindling
Noun
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Fortunately, larger fuel sources like dense vegetation remain moist from heavy winter rains, and winds are predicted to be relatively light, conditions that together limit the danger of fast-spreading wildfires.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2026
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For example, the fuel surcharge is rising to $149 from $73 for flights between the United States and either Hong Kong, Japan or South America, the airline said.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
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There are always big, burning science questions that often serve as the motivation for any new facility or observatory.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
11 Mar. 2026
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Ashley Palmer-Watts (a Heston Blumenthal alum) heads up the kitchen with a menu that spotlights the wood-burning grill and oven—think duck-fat chips, suet puddings, and scallops with bacon and malt vinegar.—
Sarah Allard,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Pressurized helium is used to push propellants through the propulsion system and to help drain and dry propellant lines.—
William Harwood,
CBS News,
12 Mar. 2026
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Blue Origin, meanwhile, had yet to complete nearly half of the changes asked for in the preliminary design review in 2024, including issues with its propulsion system, reducing mass and improving propellant margins.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Floyd, who was raised in Houston, was killed May 25 of that year by a Minneapolis police officer, igniting protests nationwide — including across Texas.—
Marley Malenfant,
Austin American Statesman,
4 Mar. 2026
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Her apparent weight loss caused concern online, igniting a public debate about her physical state.—
Emily Zemler,
Rolling Stone,
2 Mar. 2026
Noun
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On Sunday, Iran continued attacks on neighbors, while Israel struck fuel depots in Tehran and threatened the Islamic Republic’s power grid.—
Bloomberg News,
Bloomberg,
9 Mar. 2026
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Quiet reflection gains power as cerebral Mercury in your 12th House of Solitude trines jovial Jupiter in your comforting 4th house, guiding you through releasing past aches.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The production features an original music score by Evan Hart Marsh, lighting by Chris Rynne, sound by Kamila Nunez and props by Jeffrey Neitzel.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Mar. 2026
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Balat then retrieved a second device from Kayumi before lighting it and starting to run, the complaint said.—
Gloria Pazmino,
CNN Money,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Those increases have translated to energy markets, with jet fuel being the most affected, potentially leading to a rise in ticket prices later in the year.—
Nabih Bulos,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
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If you’re exhausted by life, you’re allowed to cancel plans — even fun ones — to restore your energy.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In a region where weather swings from paralyzing ice storms to scorching summers, these elements carry weight.—
Mary Grace Granados
Special Contributor,
Dallas Morning News,
5 Mar. 2026
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How to Cope When spending time outdoors in scorching weather, protect yourself by hydrating frequently, avoiding the hottest time of day, and seeking shade when possible.—
Becky Upham,
EverydayHealth.com,
4 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Kindling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kindling. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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