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.
Grills naturally have hot spots, cooler areas, flare-ups, and uneven heat. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 22 May 2026 Ultraviolet therapy paired with certain oral medications can reduce skin flare-ups. Carrie Madormo, Health, 18 May 2026 Indoor air quality concerns spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic and have stayed top of mind through wildfire seasons and allergy flare-ups — making the best hepa air purifier search one of the most common questions home shoppers ask. Ryan Brennan may 18, Kansas City Star, 18 May 2026 People with rosacea can run into challenges during the summer, too, since anything that raises body temperature is a potential trigger for a flare-up. Kara Nesvig, Allure, 14 May 2026 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 29 May. 2026.

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
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