1
as in fires
a destructive burning
the historic tavern burned to the ground in a horrible conflagration
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of conflagrations
Many of the chemical catalysts and intermediates that were used to create commercially popular dyes like sulfur black and crystal violet also made great explosives, as was clear from the conflagrations that would break out with some regularity at dye works.
—
Literary Hub, 2 Apr. 2026
Many of the chemical catalysts and intermediates that were used to create commercially popular dyes like sulfur black and crystal violet also made great explosives, as was clear from the conflagrations that would break out with some regularity at dye works.
—Kory Stamper, Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026
Israel says its operation in Lebanon aims to destroy Hezbollah, and its scope has already exceeded previous conflagrations between the nation and the Shiite group.
—Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 16 Mar. 2026
In the past, geopolitical conflagrations have been framed as a matter primarily for nation states to address.
—Justin Worland, Time, 13 Mar. 2026
The Disciple, which premiered last night at Sundance, is designed first and foremost as a portrait of Cilvaringz, and doubles as a testament to both the lingua franca power of hip-hop and the ability of obsession to fuel four-alarm conflagrations of creative ambition.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 23 Jan. 2026
She was involved, of course, but not in the direct line of fire in either of these conflagrations.
—Kate Aurthur, Variety, 21 Nov. 2025
But, throughout the decades, housing developments crept toward wildlands, the climate warmed, and fires increasingly escalated into unstoppable urban conflagrations.
—Ingfei Chen, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2025
As Southern California nears the heart of wildfire season, rebuilding is merely inching forward in areas hit by the most destructive conflagrations in Los Angeles history.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 26 Sep. 2025
Literary Hub, 2 Apr. 2026
Many of the chemical catalysts and intermediates that were used to create commercially popular dyes like sulfur black and crystal violet also made great explosives, as was clear from the conflagrations that would break out with some regularity at dye works.
—Kory Stamper, Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026
Israel says its operation in Lebanon aims to destroy Hezbollah, and its scope has already exceeded previous conflagrations between the nation and the Shiite group.
—Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 16 Mar. 2026
In the past, geopolitical conflagrations have been framed as a matter primarily for nation states to address.
—Justin Worland, Time, 13 Mar. 2026
The Disciple, which premiered last night at Sundance, is designed first and foremost as a portrait of Cilvaringz, and doubles as a testament to both the lingua franca power of hip-hop and the ability of obsession to fuel four-alarm conflagrations of creative ambition.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 23 Jan. 2026
She was involved, of course, but not in the direct line of fire in either of these conflagrations.
—Kate Aurthur, Variety, 21 Nov. 2025
But, throughout the decades, housing developments crept toward wildlands, the climate warmed, and fires increasingly escalated into unstoppable urban conflagrations.
—Ingfei Chen, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2025
As Southern California nears the heart of wildfire season, rebuilding is merely inching forward in areas hit by the most destructive conflagrations in Los Angeles history.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 26 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conflagrations
Noun
-
Much of Pratt’s campaign has focused on the devastating fires in the Palisades last year and has attacked the response of Mayor Karen Bass.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
13 May 2026
-
Pratt responded to the criticism on social media, blaming incumbent mayoral candidate Karen Bass for the destruction caused by the fires.—
Rena Rowe,
The Washington Examiner,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
Since Iran closed the strait in late February following the outbreak of hostilities, tankers have bottlenecked across the region as the vital oil chokepoint remains largely shut.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
10 May 2026
-
The Israeli military offensive in Lebanon has wiped out nearly a quarter of agricultural land in areas touched by hostilities, the Lebanese government reported today, as lethal strikes battered parts of the south.—
Mustafa Qadri,
CNN Money,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
Now, infernos sweep through populous towns and cities.—
Susie Neilson,
San Francisco Chronicle,
2 July 2025
Noun
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At the same time, however, the study documented dimming events including in Ukraine and Gaza as wars unfolded, in Venezuela as the economy collapsed, and in parts of Europe when governments enacted energy conservation mandates following the Russia-Ukraine war.—
Bree Shirvell,
Hartford Courant,
12 May 2026
-
If things go according to sales agents’ plans, the bidding wars will flow as freely as the rosé.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
12 May 2026
Noun
-
In previous Middle East conflicts, American diplomats constantly shuttled across the region, working with allies to build up momentum for a political resolution.—
Sudarsan Raghavan,
New Yorker,
12 May 2026
-
Instead, the data revealed a planet in flux where areas brightened explosively in one year and dimmed sharply the next; regions flickered in rhythms tied to oil booms, armed conflicts, and pandemic lockdowns.—
Bree Shirvell,
Hartford Courant,
12 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Conflagrations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conflagrations. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
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