rekindle
verb
re·kin·dle
ˌrē-ˈkin-dᵊl 
rekindled; rekindling
1
transitive
: to kindle (something) again
rekindle a fire
On the way the torch went out, and we took shelter in a small and lonely Christian chapel to rekindle it.—
Robert Louis Stevenson
: to start or stir up (something) again
Robert Louis StevensonThe couple appeared to rekindle their romance, exchanging loving messages promising to try to make the relationship work again …—Sarah Ward
Sarah Ward"… You get a chance to meet up with people and rekindle memories … "—Paul O'Connell
Paul O'ConnellIts election offered an example of how to rekindle interest in politics …—Vrasidas Karalis
Vrasidas KaralisHer story is one of those great stories of love, commitment and perseverance that rekindle your hope for humanity …—Kimberly Fletcher
Kimberly Fletcher2
intransitive
: to begin to burn again : to flare up again
Firefighters were called back to the scene around 6 a.m. when the flames rekindled.—Mike Hasch
Mike HaschExamples of rekindle in a Sentence
the trip to Ireland rekindled her interest in learning Gaelic
Recent Examples on the Web
The first of five installments introduces audiences to the series' hero — New York police officer John McClane (Bruce Willis) — who has traveled to Los Angeles hoping to rekindle a romance with his estranged wife, Holly.
—Ilana Gordon, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Dec. 2025
The couple of Grammy Award-winning artists first started dating in 2003, dated for a decade before splitting in 2013, and ultimately rekindling their romance in September 2023.
—Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 29 Dec. 2025
With Harry Potter set to rekindle interest in the film franchise with a series take due in 2027, the clout of movies could be HBO Max’s not-so-secret weapon.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 28 Dec. 2025
The two seemingly rekindled their friendship outside the show.
—David Wysong, Cincinnati Enquirer, 26 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rekindle
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Ilana Gordon, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Dec. 2025
The couple of Grammy Award-winning artists first started dating in 2003, dated for a decade before splitting in 2013, and ultimately rekindling their romance in September 2023.
—Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 29 Dec. 2025
With Harry Potter set to rekindle interest in the film franchise with a series take due in 2027, the clout of movies could be HBO Max’s not-so-secret weapon.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 28 Dec. 2025
The two seemingly rekindled their friendship outside the show.
—David Wysong, Cincinnati Enquirer, 26 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rekindle
Cite this Entry
“Rekindle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rekindle. Accessed 1 Jan. 2026.
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