1
: a sudden outburst or intensification
a flare-up of hostilities
2
: a sudden bursting (as of a smoldering fire) into flame or light
a danger of flare-ups
3
: a sudden appearance or worsening of the symptoms of a disease or condition
an asthmatic flare-up
Examples of flare-up in a Sentence
took medication to prevent a flare-up of her asthma
there's no need for an angry flare-up, as we'll take care of the problem immediately
Recent Examples on the Web
The latest flare-up coincided with a historic trip by Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to Pakistan’s rival India, triggering concern in Islamabad.
—
Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2025
The trade war flare-up sent the S&P 500 to its worst loss since April, and investors are eyeing a stock market rebound.
—Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2025
However, Belichick’s NFL past continues to hover around this situation, from questions about his legacy to regular flare-ups involving the Patriots to suspicions within UNC’s program that some of the negative headlines have origins in New England.
—Dianna Russini, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
To avoid flare-ups, Danielle advises her daughters to keep their skincare routines simple.
—Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for flare-up
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Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2025
The trade war flare-up sent the S&P 500 to its worst loss since April, and investors are eyeing a stock market rebound.
—Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2025
However, Belichick’s NFL past continues to hover around this situation, from questions about his legacy to regular flare-ups involving the Patriots to suspicions within UNC’s program that some of the negative headlines have origins in New England.
—Dianna Russini, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
To avoid flare-ups, Danielle advises her daughters to keep their skincare routines simple.
—Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for flare-up
Cite this Entry
“Flare-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flare-up. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
flare-up
noun
: a sudden appearance or worsening of the symptoms of a disease or condition
an asthmatic flare-up
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