smouldering
Burning without flames
Smouldering is the British spelling of smoldering.
It describes fire burning slowly without flame, producing smoke and heat: smouldering embers.
Figuratively, it suggests suppressed intensity—anger, desire, or resentment that hasn't yet erupted: a smouldering look, smouldering tensions between the two countries.
A smouldering gaze conveys barely contained passion or hostility.
Combustion with flames
- smokeAirborne combustion byproduct
- flameBurning gas made visible
- combustionExothermic reaction with oxygen
- ignitionStarting combustion process
scorch · char · kindle · blaze · singe · heat · oxidation · carbonize
Burned or burning carbon
- ashCombustion's powdery remains
- cinderCombustion residue fragment
- glowSteady, soft light
- warmthHeat you feel
hearth · fireplace · char · dying · flameless · afterglow · incandescent · banked
Intense wanting
- longingIntense, persistent desire
- yearningIntense prolonged craving
- ardorIntense emotional warmth
- fervorIntense emotional intensity
intensity · lust · craving · fire · heat · pining · obsession · romance
Study of substances' interactions
- allureAttractive, tempting quality
- magnetismForce between poles
- desireIntense wanting
- longingIntense, persistent desire
intensity · gaze · tension · eyes · glance · look · sultry · seductive
Persistent bitter displeasure
- bitternessSharp, unpleasant taste or feeling
- grudgePersistent resentment toward someone
- rageIntense, violent anger
- furyIntense violent anger
hostility · seething · fuming · animosity · spite · rancor · discontent · grievance
Flow beneath the surface
- latentPresent but inactive
- suppressedForcibly held down
- simmeringCooking below boiling point
- brewingBeverage preparation process
unresolved · veiled · restrained · lurking · covert · volatile · explosive · tinderbox
fire
Combustion with flames
- smokeAirborne combustion byproduct
- flameBurning gas made visible
- combustionExothermic reaction with oxygen
ignition · scorch · char · kindle · blaze · singe · heat · oxidation · carbonize · incinerate
coals
Burned or burning carbon
warmth · hearth · fireplace · char · dying · flameless · afterglow · incandescent · banked · flicker
desire
Intense wanting
fervor · intensity · lust · craving · fire · heat · pining · obsession · romance · devotion
chemistry
Study of substances' interactions
longing · intensity · gaze · tension · eyes · glance · look · sultry · seductive · captivating
resentment
Persistent bitter displeasure
- bitternessSharp, unpleasant taste or feeling
- grudgePersistent resentment toward someone
- rageIntense, violent anger
fury · hostility · seething · fuming · animosity · spite · rancor · discontent · grievance · suppressed
undercurrent
Flow beneath the surface
- latentPresent but inactive
- suppressedForcibly held down
- simmeringCooking below boiling point
brewing · unresolved · veiled · restrained · lurking · covert · volatile · explosive · tinderbox · threatening
smoulderingblazing
Burning very brightly
flaming · extinguished · roaring · raging · ablaze
burning, smolder, smoldering, smolders, smoldered, smoulder, smouldered, smoulders