Synonyms for

Candles

Verb / ˈkændʌlz / Another word for candles — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Candles are sticks of wax with a wick in the middle that you light to give light or to make a room smell nice.

Synonyms & similar words

cd candela taper waxlight candle standardcandle lights torches lanterns lamps beacons flames incandescent luminaries tapers rushlights night-lights candela candent candor candour candescence candling chandlery lampoon

Synonyms by register

Formal

illuminants light sources

Informal

lights

Literary

tapers flames

Antonyms

darkness gloom shadow obscurity night

Common collocations

  • birthday candles
  • scented candles
  • candle light
  • wax candle
  • pillar candle
  • tea light candle
  • candle holder
  • candle flame

Word family

noun candle
verb candle

Usage note

Candles are typically used for illumination or decoration. The verb 'to candle' refers to inspecting eggs by holding them up to a light.

Example sentences

  1. I bought some candles to put on the birthday cake.
  2. The power went out, so we lit some candles to see.
  3. I love the smell of vanilla candles.
  4. We put candles on the dinner table for a romantic atmosphere.
  5. The church was filled with candles for the Christmas Eve service.

Quotes

  • "A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle." - James Keller
  • "Happiness is a warm puppy and a burning candle." - Charles M. Schulz
  • "It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness." - Eleanor Roosevelt

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