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
Southern California Weather Report, Oc Register, 20 Dec. 2025
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
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
Refrain from kindling fires with debris or any other materials during an air quality alert.
—Southern California Weather Report, Oc Register, 20 Dec. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for kindling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kindling
Noun
-
Steeper gasoline, diesel and jet fuel prices are making driving and air travel more expensive.—
Mae Anderson,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
-
Dahm has a good idea of what’s going wrong, with boost creep from the internal wastegate causing sudden spikes up to 22 psi that appear to be blowing fuel into the oil catch can.—
Caleb Jacobs,
The Drive,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Maps show where the wildfires are burning across Florida and Georgia.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
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The video shows stunned drivers making a break for it after the firework went off, even though 77 was still partially burning.—
Joe Bruno,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The Russian freighter, known as Progress 95, is hauling about 3 tons of food, propellant and other supplies to the International Space Station (ISS).—
Mike Wall,
Space.com,
25 Apr. 2026
-
The non-aerosol propellant sprays out a water-resistant formula with SPF 30.—
Jamie Allison Sanders,
PEOPLE,
12 Apr. 2026
Verb
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People living in areas with red flag warnings are asked to take extra precautions to avoid accidentally igniting a fire.—
Adam Kovac,
Scientific American,
23 Apr. 2026
-
According to the Attorney General's office, the defendants are accused of throwing incendiary devices at a Brasfield & Gorrie facility in Cobb County in May 2022, damaging property and igniting nearby land while employees were inside the building.—
Zachary Bynum,
CBS News,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The Stars’ 71 power-play goals ranked first in the NHL in 2025-26, and Johnston’s 27 were the second-most in a single season since the 2004-05 lockout.—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
They're driven very much by power, domination, control.—
Brie Stimson,
FOXNews.com,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
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When lighting an outdoor space, restraint is essential, Boutlier says.—
Kelly Dawson,
Architectural Digest,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Clean the Light Fixtures Bugs and dust accumulate in porch lighting quickly.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Renewable energy Iggo is also keen on renewable energy, citing a recovery in stocks this year, driven by the massive demand for electricity coming from the AI trade, as well as the conflict in the Middle East.—
Michael Considine,
CNBC,
2 May 2026
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As the Moon in Scorpio trines Jupiter from your 2nd House of Resources, confidence builds around what’s actually worth your time, energy, and attention.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
2 May 2026
Verb
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The Blazers could not hold on after building a 65-59 halftime lead, an edge built by shooting a scorching 10-of-21 from 3-point range.—
Christian Clark,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Wildfires are currently scorching acres of land in South Georgia and Northern Florida.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Kindling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kindling. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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