smolder
verb (used without object)
to burn without flame; undergo slow or suppressed combustion.
has smoldered
-
present perfectof smolder (3rd person singular).present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
Early on, the fire — that for weeks has smoldered and smoked out Western Washington — behaved in interesting ways, she said.
From Seattle Times ● Oct. 19, 2022
Jackson, the plastic surgeon/trust-fund baby/chairman of the hospital board, played by Jesse Williams, has smoldered with his baby blues since season six.
From Time ● Apr. 24, 2015
Instead, Ebola has smoldered here, first appearing in the forest region and, later, slowly spreading to other areas of the country.
From Washington Post ● Feb. 4, 2015
Around 90 asylum seekers are believed to have died in June when their boat capsized south of the Indonesian island of Java, reigniting a debate that has smoldered for more than a decade.
From New York Times ● Aug. 23, 2012
To feel this thing Which long has smoldered burst to flame, and rise A great, majestic, purifying fire?
From The Dramas of Victor Hugo: Mary Tudor, Marion de Lorme, Esmeralda by Victor Hugo
