inflame

verb

in-ˈflām How to pronounce inflame (audio)
variants also enflame
Definition of inflamenext
1
as in to infuriate
to make angry the newspaper editorial inflamed her enough to inspire her to dash off a letter to the editor

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to burn
to set (something) on fire a carelessly tossed cigarette inflamed the papers in the trash can

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 inflame The disease savaged the American economy, set back the education of a generation of American children, inflamed political divisions, and undermined confidence in vital public health protections, including vaccination. — David Blumenthal, STAT, 20 July 2026 This highly reactive chemical can inflame our lungs, causing muscles to constrict and making breathing painful, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. — Kasha Patel, CNN Money, 17 July 2026 Russia has used troll farms, fake social-media personas, and hacked materials to inflame political divisions in the United States, most notably during the 2016 campaign. — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 14 July 2026 The contradictions of their closeness aren’t papered over; the unease is allowed to linger, inflamed and ineradicable. — Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for inflame
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflame
  1. infuriate
  2. burn
  3. anger
  4. ignite
  5. enrage
  6. scorch
  7. irritate
  8. light
Verb
  • Speaking to them on the phone is infuriating since most of the conversation is about what’s going on with Kaden.
    — Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 17 July 2026
  • A week before Wembanyama agreed to that contract, the Boston Celtics traded Jaylen Brown to the division-rival Philadelphia 76ers for a surprisingly meager package, which infuriated much of their fanbase.
    — Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of infuriate
Verb
  • The video shows buildings burning near the Behbahan Northwest Airport in the central Khuzestan province.
    — Arpita Dasika, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
  • Indigenous filmmakers and screen storytellers often feel pressure to burn sage and show feathers, Riedel says.
    — Jennie Punter, Variety, 21 July 2026
Definition of burn
Verb
  • Noem’s purchases were largely made out of public view and angered communities that were caught by surprise.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 July 2026
  • World Cup fans were frequently angered not only by unfavorable refereeing decisions, but by inconsistency.
    — Basel Tarab, STAT, 22 July 2026
Definition of anger
Verb
  • Continue reading … IN OTHER NEWS DINING HABITS — Actor declares one popular fry 'aren't fries,' igniting fierce online debate.
    — , FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026
  • Golden State went on a 12-0 run from that point, capped off by a deep 3-pointer from Veronica Burton to give the Valkyries a 68-65 lead and ignite the Chase Center crowd.
    — Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 19 July 2026
Definition of ignite
Verb
  • Pierre, a first-generation immigrant from Haiti, said he’s enraged by the deaths and sees them as a reminder that any situation could hit close to home.
    — Sara-James Ranta, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 July 2026
  • When Odysseus meets Sinon’s ghost — enraged by the circumstances of his death outside Troy — at the entrance to the underworld during his voyage home, Sinon warns Odysseus of the dangers his family faces back in Ithaca.
    — Tommy McArdle, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026
Definition of enrage
Verb
  • Deadly wildfires scorched a record-breaking swath of the state.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026
  • Since sunrise, the hillside has appeared scorched, with firefighters still working to extinguish the fire.
    — Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026
Definition of scorch
Verb
  • Indoor air can carry particles and gases that irritate growing lungs and airways, making breathing problems and infections more likely.
    — Dr. Lauren Zajac, Boston Herald, 19 July 2026
  • Formaldehyde can irritate our eyes, throats, noses and lungs, but can also cause cancer — suggesting that exposure to persistent wildfire smoke could become more toxic as time goes on.
    — Kasha Patel, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
Definition of irritate
Verb
  • Deer Park’s screen is just a standard rectangle, lit by a single laser digital projector that can’t display the film’s full aspect ratio.
    — Lane Brown, Vulture, 25 July 2026
  • Prosecutors alleged Stout lit a car on fire near popular swimming spots and pushed the burning vehicle down a 60-foot embankment in Upper Bidwell Park east of Chico, where the Park Fire started July 24, 2024.
    — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2026
Definition of light

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infixing
inflame
inflamed
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Cite this Entry

“Inflame.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflame. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of inflame for Spanish Speakers

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