smolder Definition
- 1burn slowly with smoke but no flame
- 2show or feel barely suppressed anger, hatred, or another powerful emotion
Using smolder: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "smolder" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The campfire continued to smolder long after the flames had died down.
Example
His anger smoldered for days after the argument.
Example
The tension between the two countries has been smoldering for years.
Example
She tried to smother her feelings, but they continued to smolder beneath the surface.
smolder Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using smolder
an intense feeling of love or desire that is barely contained or suppressed
Example
Their smoldering passion for each other was evident in every glance and touch.
a deep-seated feeling of anger or bitterness that is not openly expressed but still affects a person's behavior or attitude
Example
Her smoldering resentment towards her ex-husband was evident in the way she talked about him.
smoldering cigarette
a cigarette that is still burning slowly and producing smoke
Example
He took a drag from his smoldering cigarette and exhaled a cloud of smoke.
Phrases with smolder
a look that conveys barely suppressed anger, passion, or another intense emotion
Example
He gave her a smoldering look that made her heart race.
a fire that burns slowly with smoke but no flame
Example
The firefighters had to put out the smoldering fire before it could spread.
a volcano that is not currently erupting but still has hot magma and can potentially erupt in the future
Example
The smoldering volcano was closely monitored by scientists to detect any signs of an impending eruption.
Origins of smolder
from Middle English 'smolderen', meaning 'to smother'
Summary: smolder in Brief
The verb 'smolder' [ˈsməʊldə(r)] refers to the slow burning of a fire without flames or the barely suppressed expression of a powerful emotion. Examples include 'The campfire continued to smolder long after the flames had died down.' and 'His anger smoldered for days after the argument.' Phrases like 'smoldering passion' and idioms like 'smoldering resentment' further illustrate the intensity of the emotion. 'Smolder' can also be used to describe a volcano that is not currently erupting but still has hot magma.