Synonyms for

Coal

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

Definition

Coal is a black or brownish-black sedimentary rock that can be burned for fuel.

Synonyms & similar words

char ember charcoal fuel embers soot cinders coke peat ignite burn combust kindle roast toast smolder flare flame blaze incinerate scorch singe

Synonyms by register

Formal

carbonaceous rock fossil fuel

Informal

black rock fuel

Literary

black diamond earth's black treasure

Antonyms

water gas oil wood sunlight wind electricity

Common collocations

  • piece of coal
  • lump of coal
  • coal mine
  • coal seam
  • coal dust
  • coal tar
  • coal gas
  • coal fired

Word family

noun coal
verb coal
adjective coaly

Usage note

While 'coal' can be used as a verb meaning to fuel something with coal, this usage is archaic and rarely encountered in modern English. It is primarily used as a noun.

Example sentences

  1. The coal mine is dangerous to work in.
  2. We use coal to generate electricity.
  3. I put a lump of coal into the stocking for Christmas.
  4. The locomotive engine uses coal to create steam.
  5. My dad uses coal to grill the burgers.

Quotes

  • 'I would rather have a nod from an American, than a snuff-box from an emperor.' - Charles Caleb Colton
  • 'I have a horror of coal mines, because of their darkness and the awfulness of their accidents.' - Elizabeth Gaskell
  • 'The coal mining industry is very destructive and it doesn't have to be.' - Kevin Richardson

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words