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
But relationship experts, including Pickell, warn that grand gestures aren't always the best approach for rekindling.
—Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
While waiting for flights to resume, Charli’s character Bethany flirts with the idea of blowing up her life by rekindling a romance with an old friend who owns a flower shop in Warsaw.
—Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 10 Feb. 2026
The two rekindled their relationship during episode 11 and talked things out.
—Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 10 Feb. 2026
Perhaps Panarin can rekindle Byfield’s offensive prowess, which has been limited by an apparent decrease in confidence and another increase in defensive responsibility.
—Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rekindle
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Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
While waiting for flights to resume, Charli’s character Bethany flirts with the idea of blowing up her life by rekindling a romance with an old friend who owns a flower shop in Warsaw.
—Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 10 Feb. 2026
The two rekindled their relationship during episode 11 and talked things out.
—Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 10 Feb. 2026
Perhaps Panarin can rekindle Byfield’s offensive prowess, which has been limited by an apparent decrease in confidence and another increase in defensive responsibility.
—Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rekindle
Cite this Entry
“Rekindle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rekindle. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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