KINDLING Synonyms: 56 Similar and Opposite Words

kindling 1 of 2

noun

Definition of kindling

as in fuel

Related Words

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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

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 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

Verb

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 Photography arrived, kindling an enthusiasm that Baudelaire, ever the cynic, compared to a lust for pornography. — Cal Revely-Calder, New Yorker, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for kindling

Recent Examples of Synonyms for kindling

Noun

Use our refresher on indirect grilling, then discover how to grill indirectly using gas as your fuel.

— Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 July 2026
Drone strikes and shelling have targeted civilian infrastructure including schools, markets, fuel and water stations, putting over 500,000 people at risk.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026

Definition of fuel

Verb

The smoke from the burning vehicles contained hazardous materials commonly found in automobiles, including fuels, oils and interior components, Nunez said, although steady winds helped disperse the smoke.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2026
According to Graser, one of the victims had called from inside the burning building, pleading for help.

— Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026

Definition of burning

Noun

Space-rock mining could therefore enable the operation of off-Earth propellant depots, which would allow voyaging spacecraft to top off their tanks on the go and explore the solar system more deeply and ambitiously.

— Mike Wall, Space.com, 3 July 2026
These tests evaluated how the hardware, seals, and fluid flow handle extreme thermal contraction and the intense temperature differences between the freezing propellant and the coupler materials.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 30 June 2026

Definition of propellant

Verb

The blaze remained confined to the wrecking yard property, despite briefly jumping a fence and igniting vegetation to the west.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2026
At the party, Decastro spent over an hour shooting off fireworks in the street, eventually igniting the $400 firework.

— Seamus Bozeman, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026

Definition of igniting

Noun

Junior Caminero has already done some things no Rays players had ever accomplished, such as extending his sizzling power show on Friday to include hitting 10 home runs over a 10-game span.

— Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 July 2026
Plus, the power port includes three electrical outlets and three USB ports for powering appliances, speakers, and other devices.

— Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026

Definition of power

Verb

Masses of young people ages 15 to 25 packed the sand around the Newport Pier, lighting off fireworks that sent sparks into crowds.

— Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
When the deal was made last season, Zellers was lighting it up with the Green Bay Gamblers of the USHL.

— Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 5 July 2026

Definition of lighting

Noun

The city is recommending zoning regulations that fall in line with state statute while trying to calm residents who are worried data centers will overwhelm resources like water and energy and impose on their quality of life.

— Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 2 July 2026
Welcome to Climate Point, your weekly guide to the latest news about climate, energy and the environment.

— Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 2 July 2026

Definition of energy

Verb

Rhode Islanders celebrated America's 250th anniversary at the Bristol Fourth of July parade despite scorching temperatures.

— Nolan Rogalski, The Providence Journal, 5 July 2026
On the corner of West 31st Street and Seventh Avenue, right outside Madison Square Garden, the heat was scorching as the temperature inched to 100 degrees.

— Emily Yahr, Washington Post, 4 July 2026

Definition of scorching

Browse Nearby Words

kindliness

kindling

kindlings

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Style

“Kindling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kindling. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of kindling

noun

verb

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