flare 1 of 2

noun

ˈfler How to pronounce flare (audio)
Definition of flarenext
1
as in flurry
a sudden and usually temporary growth of activity a flare in gift card sales around graduation time

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in burst
a sudden intense expression of strong feeling ended the quarrel with a stunning flare of swearwords

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in glow
the steady giving off of the form of radiation that makes vision possible in the darkness the flare of a single match might be seen by enemy troops

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

flare

2 of 2

verb

as in to glow
to shine with a bright harsh light floodlights flaring into the forbidding empty spaces surrounding the prison

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 flare
Noun
Traffic ground to a halt along the Corniche Boulevard, one of the city’s main avenues, where ecstatic Atlas Lions supporters danced, set off fireworks and waved flares. — Kristie Rieken, Chicago Tribune, 4 July 2026 But this hasn’t stopped multicultural Montrealers from supporting their teams publicly, including Moroccan fans taking to the streets and throwing flares after a victory. — Shelby Blackley, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Verb
Emergency services were sifting through the rubble of what used to be a nine-story building on the left bank of the Dnipro River that bisects the city as the sun rose and fires flared up around it. — Gleb Garanich, USA Today, 2 July 2026 Getting your hands dirty with charcoal, tweaking vents and chimneys to stop chunks of oak from flaring up and destroying your brisket, exerting your will over the heat inside a big metal box; barbecue takes a lot of practice. — Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for flare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flare
  1. flurry
  2. burst
  3. glow
  4. burn
  5. outburst
  6. explosion
  7. glare
  8. flame
Noun
  • June was a frenetic month for the metro Atlanta restaurant scene, driven in part by a flurry of downtown openings timed to the beginning of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
    — Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 1 July 2026
  • Trump took in tens of millions of dollars in fees from a flurry of new hotel, resort and condo deals overseas that amounts to the biggest property expansion ever in the century since the family business was founded.
    — Bernard Condon, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
Definition of flurry
Noun
  • Jennifer Storms, chief marketing officer for NBCUniversal Television and Streaming, said her team has carefully planned the timing of the spots to coincide with the burst of patriotism and celebration around America 250 events.
    — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 3 July 2026
  • Used on the plate (rather than during cooking), finishing salt adds crunch, elegance and a burst of salinity.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
Definition of burst
Noun
  • From date night sightings and courtside appearances to red carpets, this era has brought a noticeable glow to her style.
    — Amanda Le, InStyle, 3 July 2026
  • There are books and wine bottles as decor on the ledges, and a glow of warm lighting.
    — Anna Grace Lee, Vogue, 2 July 2026
Definition of glow
Verb
  • According to researchers, any toxic airborne chemicals would likely stem from the charred foam insulation, metal exterior, burned solar panels and any lithium batteries that might have been present inside the warehouse.
    — Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • In Los Angeles County, the fire department said a man was critically injured after a fire burned at least two cars in a parking lot in the Wilmington neighborhood on July 3.
    — Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 7 July 2026
Definition of burn
Noun
  • The pitcher and batter didn’t acknowledge the outburst, although Wrobleski’s pitch ended up in the dirt for a full count.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • Fresh off a 22-run outburst Friday, the question became what would the Sox do for an encore Saturday.
    — LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026
Definition of outburst
Noun
  • Iranian state media reported explosions in several locations, including in Bandar Mahshahr, where a Guard member was killed.
    — Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • In addition, the tritium is far safer compared to historical alternatives because beta particles cannot penetrate human skin, and the gas is securely stored in the form of a solid metal hydride foil, eliminating the danger of leakage or explosion.
    — David Szondy July 07, New Atlas, 8 July 2026
Definition of explosion
Noun
  • Harry and Meghan attended the queen's funeral, under the glare of the ever watchful British tabloids.
    — Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 6 July 2026
  • Mercury and Jupiter are now swinging behind the sun and are lost in the bright solar glare.
    — Joe Rao, Space.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of glare
Verb
  • The clip ultimately evolved into a lo-fi vision of the Rapture, complete with giant flaming hands terrorizing the band.
    — SPIN Staff, SPIN, 30 June 2026
  • True insanity seldom results from a huge, flaming blowout when driving.
    — Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 24 June 2026
Definition of flame

Phrases Containing flare

Browse Nearby Words

flaps
flare
flared
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Cite this Entry

“Flare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flare. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on flare

Nglish: Translation of flare for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about flare

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