flare-up

noun

Synonyms of flare-upnext
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For Rouleau, the trick is to alternate ice cube application with a warm compress on the flare-ups for about six cycles. Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 12 Dec. 2025 And while each type presents differently, flare-ups across the board are often triggered by stress, thanks to the gut-brain connection. Cheyenne Buckingham, SELF, 9 Dec. 2025 Thailand’s foreign ministry met with the Malaysian ambassador and the chargé d’affaires of the United States following the latest flare-up, Nikorndej said Monday, without providing further details. Kocha Olarn, CNN Money, 8 Dec. 2025 Even two days after the fire began, smoke continued to drift out of the charred skeletons of the buildings from the occasional flare-up. David Rising, Arkansas Online, 29 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for flare-up

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of flare-up was in 1839

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Flare-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flare-up. Accessed 19 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

flare-up

noun
ˈfla(ə)r-ˌəp
ˈfle(ə)r-
: a sudden burst (as of flame or anger)

Medical Definition

flare-up

noun
: a sudden appearance or worsening of the symptoms of a disease or condition
an asthmatic flare-up
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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