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 Efforts to manipulate public opinion and inflame social tensions are often pinned on Russia, Iran and other countries, although most of those bots Blue Square is tracking appear to be homegrown, Leiba explained. — Jackie Hajdenberg, Sun Sentinel, 29 June 2026 Allegations circulating online—including accusations of looting and interference with aid—have further inflamed public sentiment, though many claims remain unverified. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 29 June 2026 Fortunately, schools and organizations can also inflame desire. — David Brooks, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026 Ceremonies at the grave of the unknown soldier of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army in Lviv have inflamed tensions with neighboring Poland. — Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 27 June 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
  • They’re infuriated with a military that turned out to repress civilian protests in recent years, but appeared slow to mobilize in support of earthquake victims this week.
    — Tibisay Zea, Christian Science Monitor, 3 July 2026
  • The result can be a more consistent connection, fewer interruptions and less of that infuriating mid-episode quality drop.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of infuriate
Verb
  • Do not burn debris or other items during an air quality alert.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 15 July 2026
  • Research shows warming temperatures from burning coal, oil and gas are making fires more frequent and intense.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 July 2026
Definition of burn
Verb
  • The comments that could have potentially angered Adebayo stem from screenshots of an Instagram direct message conversation shared on X in recent days that show a profile seemingly run by Herro critiquing Adebayo.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 11 July 2026
  • Neighbors feel less safe with ICE around The latest incident has angered the Latino community in Houston and has left others fearful.
    — Sergio Martínez-Beltrán, NPR, 10 July 2026
Definition of anger
Verb
  • Fire officials deemed the fire accidental after determining that the family dog, Bo, jumped onto the kitchen counter and turned on the toaster, which ignited nearby combustibles.
    — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 14 July 2026
  • Even sparks or embers carried by the wind can ignite nearby leaves or grass, triggering a fire that spreads rapidly.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026
Definition of ignite
Verb
  • The suggestion has enraged many of the victims and fierce opponents of the Islamic Republic who have found refuge in Canada.
    — Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026
  • Despite his concessions to the SSPX, Francis enraged many Catholic traditionalists by reversing Benedict's relaxation on celebrating the old Latin Mass for the broader Catholic Church.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 1 July 2026
Definition of enrage
Verb
  • According to Anderson, rain in areas scorched by wildfires can lead to debris runoff and flooding hazards.
    — Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 14 July 2026
  • The heat wave that has scorched France in recent days, the third already this year, is starting to subside.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 July 2026
Definition of scorch
Verb
  • Avoid potentially irritating actives Immediately after shaving is not the time to reach for your strongest skin-care products.
    — Emma-Jade Stoddart, Glamour, 5 July 2026
  • While some of my linen pieces feel scratchy, this one is ultra soft and doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin.
    — Shea Simmons, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
Definition of irritate
Verb
  • That lit a fire under England, which answered via a goal from Jude Bellingham.
    — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 12 July 2026
  • Decathlete Rafer Johnson lit the Olympic flame in 1984 at the Los Angeles Coliseum.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 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 18 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of inflame for Spanish Speakers

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