variants
or smoulder
1
as in to anger
to be excited or emotionally stirred up with anger
She smoldered when first learning of her son's misbehavior at school, but had calmed down by the time he arrived home.
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2
as in to blaze
to be on fire usually with smoke but few flames
They look forward to those long summer nights telling stories beside a smoldering campfire.
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Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of smolder
Besides their long, dark hair and smoldering gazes, what do Charli XCX and Salma Hayek have in common?
—
Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 1 Feb. 2026
Blackened trees and a smoldering log made clear that fires are a common way to keep warm.
—Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 30 Jan. 2026
His smoldering stare has been illegally printed on T-shirts by dozens of small Chinese businesses through the global marketplace AliExpress.
—Paul Flahive, Austin American Statesman, 30 Jan. 2026
Throughout the compilation of clips, Kristy smiles and smolders in the mirror while using a bottle of the luxury brand's Libre Berry Crush perfume.
—Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for smolder
Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 1 Feb. 2026
Blackened trees and a smoldering log made clear that fires are a common way to keep warm.
—Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 30 Jan. 2026
His smoldering stare has been illegally printed on T-shirts by dozens of small Chinese businesses through the global marketplace AliExpress.
—Paul Flahive, Austin American Statesman, 30 Jan. 2026
Throughout the compilation of clips, Kristy smiles and smolders in the mirror while using a bottle of the luxury brand's Libre Berry Crush perfume.
—Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for smolder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smolder
Verb
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But every time Trump takes to social media, angered by drug trafficking – or drone incursions, Sheinbaum Pardo has deftly reminded him of their working partnership, Jacobson said.—
Lauren Villagran,
USA Today,
13 Feb. 2026
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In one of those realities (the actual one most of us are living in), a growing number of people across the political spectrum are angered, terrified and disgusted by actions being taken in their names by people and agencies which seem to have little or no accountability.—
Brenda Looper,
Arkansas Online,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The show captures the frenzy of all-consuming lust and the chaos that arises in the wake of a blazing hot relationship without true depth or knowledge of the other partner.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
18 Feb. 2026
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Known for his blazing speed, Hill is an eight-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro through 10 NFL seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs and Dolphins.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
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For months, projects on some of the metro area's major highways and thoroughfares, including Interstates 64 and 265 and surface streets like Brownsboro Road, have forced drivers to find alternate routes and deal with longer travel times as construction has snarled traffic across town and beyond.—
Stephanie Stremplewski,
Louisville Courier Journal,
15 Feb. 2026
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Last fall, during a 43-day shutdown over expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies, Democrats ultimately relented after public frustration mounted and airport travel snarled ahead of Thanksgiving.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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There was a metal cot, a coal-burning stove and a bare light bulb hanging from the ceiling.—
Zoe Sottile,
CNN Money,
16 Feb. 2026
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Our lovely Skeldale family stands together and suddenly notices the fires burning on other hills all across the countryside.—
Alice Burton,
Vulture,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
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When in doubt, sauté or steam the vegetables before adding them to the muffin tin.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 Feb. 2026
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It can also be used to wrap sandwiches or other items before heating to keep them secure, or for steaming proteins and vegetables, helping retain their moisture and nutrients.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Investigators later realized the flaming vehicle was registered to Lovely's ex, according to the complaint.—
Matthew Cupelli,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
6 Feb. 2026
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Accompanied by ringing bells, ethereal music and chanting hymns, the priests gracefully moved their arms in unison, holding up various flaming brass lamps during the 45-minute serene and powerful ritual.—
Norma Meyer,
Oc Register,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Be cautious of ice accumulating on power lines or tree branches, which can lead to snapping and falling hazards.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
18 Feb. 2026
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Local fans snapped selfies with him and posted on social media about meeting a friendly LaBeouf at various restaurants, boutiques, bars, gas stations, and coffee shops.—
Cheyenne Roundtree,
Rolling Stone,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Outdoors, a long communal dining table sits in the courtyard beneath glowing string lights, right next to the koi pond.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 Feb. 2026
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The same pressure that consumed Glenn and teammate Ilia Malinin could not even touch Liu’s glowing aura.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Smolder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smolder. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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