kindling 1 of 2

noun

Definition of kindlingnext
as in fuel

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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
Its pre-drilled holes allow for proper drainage, preventing the kindling from storing moisture and rotting. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Aug. 2026 Note how there is no dry, flammable kindling of commotion in us whenever thought is feeling the peace of being fixed on what God is and does. — Mark Swinney, Christian Science Monitor, 21 July 2026
Verb
Refrain from kindling fires with debris or any other materials during an air quality alert. — Southern California Weather Report, Daily News, 19 May 2026 Which kindling splitter is best? — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for kindling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kindling
  1. fuel
  2. burning
  3. propellant
  4. igniting
  5. power
  6. lighting
  7. energy
  8. scorching
Noun
  • Their findings, published in Langmuir, could help address the challenges the industry faces with conventional liquid and gel propellants, including fuel movement inside tanks and pumping fuel into engines.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The announcement on Monday threw fuel on the fire to push Sacramento politicians to do more to help out the Golden State’s most iconic industry.
    — Erik Hayden, HollywoodReporter, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of fuel
Verb
  • The abuse included shooting him with a BB gun, burning his genitals and forcing him to eat cat feces.
    — Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2026
  • As does a spot of blood on a piece of white cloth, or a burning red lantern on a pile of snow.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of burning
Noun
  • This energy can power high-efficiency electric ion engines or heat propellant directly to create extreme thrust.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Argo Space’s satellites will use water not only as a propellant, but also as a coolant and radiation shield.
    — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of propellant
Verb
  • In 2019, a train lost control while approaching Cairo’s main station in Ramses Square, igniting a fire that killed 25 people.
    — Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2026
  • The debut issue features SM Entertainment‘s trainee group SMTR25, with content distributed globally through Billboard China‘s international network — earning rave reviews and igniting buzz worldwide.
    — Billboard China, Billboard, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of igniting
Noun
  • The brokerage said South Korea could emerge as a key market for additional capacity in Asia, with operators that secure power, land and long-term customer contracts better positioned to expand.
    — Jenny Lee, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026
  • These arrangements form part of Google’s broader effort to secure power for its expanding data center infrastructure while reducing the carbon emissions associated with natural gas generation.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of power
Verb
  • Thank you very much for waking me up and lighting a fire under me.
    — Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Over at Article, there are pages of savings up to 60% off on midcentury modern and Scandi-influenced furniture, home decor, and lighting all waiting to be snapped up.
    — Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of lighting
Noun
  • Fusion energy has long promised virtually limitless, low-carbon power by mimicking the physical reactions that fuel the Sun.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Zelenskyy said Ukraine's priorities for the talks were halting strikes on energy and critical infrastructure, unblocking Black Sea grain shipments and expanding prisoner exchanges.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of energy
Verb
  • Perilous jungles, scorching deserts and frozen tundra slowed him down, but bureaucratic holdups brought his adventure to a halt for long periods.
    — Brian Melley, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Perilous jungles, scorching deserts and frozen tundra slowed him down, but bureaucratic red tape often brought his adventure to a halt for long periods.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of scorching

Browse Nearby Words

kindliness
kindling
kindlings
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Cite this Entry

“Kindling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kindling. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

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