flare (up) 1 of 2

verb

Definition of flare (up)next
1
as in to anger
to become very angry naturally I flared up when he insulted me

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to erupt
to develop suddenly and violently my allergies always flare up in the spring

Synonyms & Similar Words

flare-up

2 of 2

noun

ˈfler-ˌəp How to pronounce flare-up (audio)
1
as in flurry
a sudden and usually temporary growth of activity took medication to prevent a flare-up of her asthma

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in explosion
a sudden intense expression of strong feeling there's no need for an angry flare-up, as we'll take care of the problem immediately

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 (up)
Noun
Smoke from fireworks can worsen symptoms and cause flare-ups in those who have asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026 The popular China internet fund, the KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF (KWEB), is down more than 40% from its record in October amid ongoing concerns over AI valuations and trade ware flare-ups. — Oliver Renick, CNBC, 1 July 2026 Lymph nodes cluster heavily in this area, and poor circulation through them can produce acne along the jaw and neck, dry or flaky skin, eczema flare-ups or unexplained rashes. — Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 29 June 2026 Poor circulation there may also show up as dry or flaky skin, eczema flare-ups or unexplained rashes. — Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for flare (up)
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flare (up)
  1. anger
  2. erupt
  3. flurry
  4. explosion
  5. snarl
  6. explode
  7. burst
  8. outburst
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
  • Spontaneous applause erupted — and even some tears were shed — at the battered parking structure where Gil had been entombed since the two temblors struck within seconds of each other on June 24.
    — Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
  • Anyone who thinks that the differences between these sects are minor is invited to read about the wars, massacres and persecutions that erupted between them in the 16th and 17th centuries.
    — Kenneth Seeskin, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Definition of erupt
Noun
  • The agency’s swift judgement on the incidents prompted calls for impartial investigations from local officials and a flurry of protests.
    — Annette Choi, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
  • In the meantime, Silver anticipates that a flurry of one-and-done provisional arrangements will be hammered out before the new campaign tips off in October.
    — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 15 July 2026
Definition of flurry
Noun
  • Several explosions were heard in Bampur last night around midnight local time, Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency said.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
  • Authorities announced a blanket inspection following the May explosion, China's deadliest mining accident in years.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 July 2026
Definition of explosion
Verb
  • Meanwhile, Argentina is a snarling team full of passion-merchants.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
  • Each time, as the dog snarled and jumped backward, the bear would rear again with his back against the tree trunk, swinging his mighty paws in front of him as though daring Drive to come within reach.
    — Frank C. Hibben, Outdoor Life, 15 July 2026
Definition of snarl
Verb
  • With no natural predators and the ability to breed year-round, their populations have exploded over the decades.
    — Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
  • In early January 2025, weeks after UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was gunned down on the streets of New York City, a monstrous wildfire exploded in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles.
    — Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 5 July 2026
Definition of explode
Noun
  • Meanwhile, Thompson is tall, has powerful hands, and possesses an impressive burst.
    — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 9 July 2026
  • Sometimes this little burst of movement triggers noncommittal fish.
    — Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 9 July 2026
Definition of burst
Noun
  • While hardly a spotless performance from the second-place Bombers, who threw a bullpen game, their offensive outburst put them four games behind the division-leading Rays.
    — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 9 July 2026
  • There are no explosive revelations, gotcha moments, dramatic confessions, or theatrical outbursts.
    — Rhoda Feng, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
Definition of outburst

Browse Nearby Words

flares (up)
flare (up)
flare-up
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Cite this Entry

“Flare (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flare%20%28up%29. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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