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
  • 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
  • The war erupted in April 2023 after former allies Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, leader of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), fell out in a power struggle.
    — Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • The best seat in the house is wherever the room erupts when the ball hits the net.
    — Ali Farooqui, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 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
  • Images of 20-year-old Lionel Messi and infant Lamine Yamal from 2007 have exploded in popularity in the run-up to Sunday’s World Cup final, when Messi’s Argentina plays Yamal’s Spain for the biggest trophy in the sport.
    — Alanis Thames, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2026
  • The global market for testosterone therapy has exploded from global sales of only $18 million annually in the late 1980s to nearly $2 billion in 2025.
    — Alexander P. Cole, STAT, 18 July 2026
Definition of explode
Noun
  • Caviar is one of life’s great pleasures, delicate orbs full of rich bursts of salty, umami deliciousness.
    — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026
  • The latest burst of activity is tied to a twentieth anniversary edition of Kiss of Death, which arrived earlier this month.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of burst
Noun
  • There have been other outbursts of violence against immigrants.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 July 2026
  • William also was not inclined to let himself be bothered by Harry’s outbursts over the past several weeks, the authors said.
    — Martha Ross, Mercury News, 13 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 20 Jul. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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