What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
smolder
Example
The campfire continued to smolder long after the flames had died down. [smolder: verb]
Example
She tried to hide her smoldering anger, but it was clear she was upset. [smoldering: adjective]
seethe
Example
The pot of water began to seethe as it boiled on the stove. [seethe: verb]
Example
He was seething with rage after the argument. [seething: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Smolder is less common than seethe in everyday language. Smolder is more specific and often used in the context of fire or suppressed emotions, while seethe is more versatile and can be used to describe a wider range of intense emotions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between smolder and seethe?
Both smolder and seethe are informal words that are more commonly used in casual conversation than in formal writing or speech.
