verb
smolder
Smolder (verb) means to burn gently and produce smoke, without much of a flame.
verb
1
To burn gently and produce smoke, without much of a flame.
"Behind him, where the deer had been, smoldered a large circle of grass and trees."
— Christopher Paolini, Discovery (2003)
"The remains of the bonfire were left to smolder for hours."
2
To show quiet signs of strong feelings, such as anger or passion, that are being held back.
3
To remain hidden or held back, without fully coming out.
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Etymology
Comes from Middle English smolderen (“to suffocate, stifle”), from Middle English smolder (“smoke, smoky vapour”), which ultimately traces to Proto-West Germanic *smolōn (“to burn, glow, fume, smoulder”). It is related to Proto-West Germanic *smallijan (which gave English smell).
Synonyms
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smoulder
Antonyms
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Rhymes for smolder
See all rhymes for smolder →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of smolder?
"smolder" (verb) means to burn gently and produce smoke, without much of a flame.
What is another word for smolder?
Other words for "smolder" include smoulder.
What is the opposite of smolder?
The opposite of "smolder" is blaze.
What are the different meanings of smolder?
"smolder" has 3 main meanings: 1. To burn gently and produce smoke, without much of a flame; 2. To show quiet signs of strong feelings, such as anger or passion, that are being held back; 3. To remain hidden or held back, without fully coming out.