1
as in to anger
to become very angry
naturally I flared up when he insulted me
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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Recent Examples of flare (up)
Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026
Since stress can trigger acne flare-ups and hair shedding, supporting the body’s stress balance may help minimize these effects.
—Amanda Le, InStyle, 7 Mar. 2026
Previous flare-ups have calmed after days of fighting, and mediation by foreign governments including Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
—Sophia Saifi, CNN Money, 27 Feb. 2026
The rapid and often unpredictable cadence of geopolitical flare-ups means that even the strongest friendshoring partnerships will inevitably be tested.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for flare (up)
Noun
Kilauea is among the world’s most active volcanoes, with sporadic flare-ups since December 2024.
—Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026
Since stress can trigger acne flare-ups and hair shedding, supporting the body’s stress balance may help minimize these effects.
—Amanda Le, InStyle, 7 Mar. 2026
Previous flare-ups have calmed after days of fighting, and mediation by foreign governments including Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
—Sophia Saifi, CNN Money, 27 Feb. 2026
The rapid and often unpredictable cadence of geopolitical flare-ups means that even the strongest friendshoring partnerships will inevitably be tested.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for flare (up)
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flare (up)
Verb
-
The launch bucked Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s claims that Iranian missiles only have an approximate 1,200-mile range and angered on-edge European leaders.—
Molly Parks,
The Washington Examiner,
22 Mar. 2026
-
Is she amused or angered or saddened by this?—
Cressida Leyshon,
New Yorker,
22 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The loudest moment of the night came at the 12-minute mark when Purdue’s bench and its huge contingent of yellow and black clad fans erupted as senior point guard Braden Smith made history with his 1,077th career assist, breaking the 33-year-old NCAA record set in 1993 by Duke’s Bobby Hurley.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
21 Mar. 2026
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Munyak's magic moment LIU's last basket of the night was special for the Sharks and their fans, who all erupted in cheers when Eddie Munyak banked in a 3-pointer with 53 seconds left.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
21 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The revelations immediately prompted a flurry of action across San Diego County and the state.—
Jemma Stephenson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 Mar. 2026
-
The company unveiled a flurry of new products at the expo on Monday and gave investors a financial update on Tuesday morning.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Nam said the cause was not immediately known, but the blaze appeared to have spread rapidly, with witnesses reporting an explosion.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
21 Mar. 2026
-
Heavy explosions shook Dubai early Friday as air defenses intercepted incoming fire over the city, where people were observing Eid al-Fitr, the end of the holy Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, and mosques made the day's first call to prayers.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
21 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Tehran's chokehold on that crucial waterway has snarled international shipping, sent fuel prices skyrocketing, and threatened the world economy.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
24 Mar. 2026
-
The six-week shutdown of Department of Homeland Security funding has snarled air travel, causing significant disruptions at airports across the country.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
24 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Oxygen cylinders in the vehicles exploded, breaking windows in an adjacent apartment block.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
26 Mar. 2026
-
While prestige body care has exploded in recent years, dermatologists say the drugstore aisle still delivers the most effective formulas.—
Hana Hong,
Glamour,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
For a burst of contrasting sweetness, toss in some pomegranate seeds along with a drizzle of hot honey and a tuft of fresh mint too.—
Jesse Szewczyk,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
23 Mar. 2026
-
Booker led the Longhorns out of the break with the third-quarter burst that quickly settled the outcome.—
Jim Vertuno,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
In the most complimentary of ways, the Hornets’ first-half outburst wasn’t all that special at all.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
25 Mar. 2026
-
Cronin has received his share – more than his share, actually – of negative fan reaction for his frequent outbursts at players.—
Jim Alexander,
Oc Register,
22 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Flare (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flare%20%28up%29. Accessed 26 Mar. 2026.
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