Synonyms of kindling

kindling 1 of 2

noun

as in fuel

Related Words

• fuel
• propellant
• power
• energy
• force

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

• burning
• igniting
• lighting
• scorching
• torching
• firing
• enkindling
• inflaming
• baking
• illumining
• cooking
• illuminating
• charring
• broiling
• immolating
• incinerating
• rekindling
• stoking
• lightening
• brightening
• ashing
• setting off
• searing
• relighting
• deflagrating
• radiating
• irradiating
• cremating
• kilning
• scathing
• scalding
• frizzling
• banking
• reigniting

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• extinguishing
• quenching
• choking
• putting out
• smothering
• suffocating
• dousing
• stamping (out)
• darkening
• snuffing (out)
• obscuring
• dimming
• blackening
• dulling

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of kindling

Noun

Hundreds of fires have started across southern and coastal Georgia, with dozens of new fires every day, and officials say drought conditions provided the kindling. — Irene Wright, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026

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

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