Definition of inflammatorynext
as in provocative
tending to excite political disorder or insurrection the restless crowd was stirred up by the inflammatory rhetoric

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of inflammatory Chronic stress maintains an inflammatory state, slows elimination, and increases demand for buffering minerals. Mélanie Defouilloy, Vogue, 24 Feb. 2026 Exosomes contain growth factors, in addition to other cell-signaling molecules like proteases (MMPs), inflammatory cytokines, mRNA, miRNA, mitochondrial DNA and genomic DNA. Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2026 In one recent study published in Bone Research, researchers found that impaired lymphatic drainage is associated with inflammatory conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Avery Newmark, AJC.com, 20 Feb. 2026 Pomegranate Juice Pomegranates and their juice contain polyphenols that may reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory markers associated with cardiovascular disease. Sarah Anzlovar, Verywell Health, 20 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inflammatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflammatory
Adjective
  • The emphasis this time around was on unity, loyalty and readiness, while keeping the most provocative systems off-camera.
    Will Ripley, CNN Money, 26 Feb. 2026
  • Neither about the provocative manipulation of the judiciary nor about the major problem of addiction.
    Reuters, NBC news, 26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • He was also found guilty of one count of publishing seditious materials under colonial-era legislation.
    Jennifer Jett, NBC news, 26 Feb. 2026
  • He was convicted in December of conspiring to collude with foreign forces to endanger national security and conspiring to publish seditious articles, which carried a maximum penalty of life in prison.
    CBS News, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Calling people names, especially names that are incendiary in content, wins no arguments and creates opposition instead of a fair hearing for one's counter-arguments.
    Cal Thomas, Arkansas Online, 24 Feb. 2026
  • The ban is immediate, so in effect, UEFA has taken Prestianni out of the equation, pouring a little water on what would have been (and could still be) an incendiary evening tomorrow.
    Phil Hay, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Inflammatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflammatory. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.

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