Synonyms of conflagration

conflagration

noun

ˌkän-flə-ˈgrā-shən 

1

as in inferno

a destructive burning

the historic tavern burned to the ground in a horrible conflagration

Synonyms & Similar Words

• inferno
• fire
• wildfire
• holocaust
• blaze
• bonfire
• campfire
• arson
• forest fire
• backfire
• flare-up
• brush fire

2

as in hostilities

a state of armed violent struggle between states, nations, or groups

what began as a skirmish over disputed territory erupted into a conflagration that swept the continent

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hostilities
• war
• conflict
• skirmish
• hot war
• civil war
• cold war
• fighting
• battle
• warfare
• world war
• holy war
• police action
• limited war
• engagement
• action
• combat

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• peace
• disarmament
• demobilization
• demilitarization
• pacification
• truce
• tranquility
• calm
• peacefulness
• ceasefire

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of conflagration

The Orange County conflagration was the latest incident in a hectic 24 hours for fire crews in Southern California. — Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

But with so many armed actors and so much meddling going on in each other’s countries, a regional conflagration becomes increasingly likely. — Paul Tilsley, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026

But the more important story is that the Party has ignited a longer-term conflagration, which is on the cusp of burning out of control. — Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026

Across the country, climate change is ravaging ecosystems, bringing more robust storms, rising sea levels, record-setting conflagrations and fatal heat waves. — Jennifer Oldham, Denver Post, 8 Oct. 2026