smolder
verb (used without object)
to burn without flame; undergo slow or suppressed combustion.
had smoldered
-
past perfectof smolder.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Last summer, a small fire ignited on the property from roots that had smoldered for nearly a year.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 14, 2022
It had smoldered all the snowless winter and now, in February, it had burst back to life.
From Slate ● Jul. 30, 2022
But to others, it was a prison from which there was no escape, and within which there was misery, anger and frustration that had smoldered for more than 100 years.
From Washington Post ● Mar. 22, 2018
For weeks he had smoldered in Rushville, Ind., reading reports that his campaign had stalled.
From Time Magazine Archive
Still they were only the duties that pertained to his temporal welfare, for the flame of devotion had smoldered to ashes on the hearthstone of her heart.
From Choice Readings for the Home Circle by Anonymous
