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
  • 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
  • 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
  • However, the cyclops was a son of Poseidon, and this attack angered the sea god.
    — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 18 July 2026
  • News reporting about the new plane’s security deficiencies angered the president and triggered a sprawling leak investigation.
    — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 16 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
  • 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
  • Year in and year out, in incidents small and noticeably larger, refinery accidents enraged neighbors and attracted regulators.
    — Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 15 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
  • 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
  • Her spot at the support group, which now lights a blue candle with her name etched onto it before every meeting.
    — Jo Yurcaba, NBC news, 18 July 2026
  • However, a handful of the rocket’s 33 Raptor engines failed to light at the vehicle’s ignition, and therefore the launch attempt was aborted automatically.
    — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 17 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 21 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on inflame

Nglish: Translation of inflame for Spanish Speakers

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