FLARE-UPS Synonyms: 56 Similar and Opposite Words

flare-ups

noun

plural of flare-up

as in flurries

a sudden and usually temporary growth of activity took medication to prevent a flare-up of her asthma

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in explosions

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-ups Air fresheners, perfumes, cleaning supplies and paint spark allergy flare-ups that can last for 10 days. — Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Sep. 2026 Crews continue responding to new flare-ups across North Texas, and Turner said the region could remain active through the end of September and into early October. — Amelia Mugavero, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026 Fires within the debris pile burned through the end of December 2001 with flare-ups in 2002. — ABC News, 11 Sep. 2026 Oil prices have been on a rollercoaster this year, oscillating as traders react to flare-ups in fighting and monitor oil tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026 And the price of oil breached the $100 threshold, for the first time in months, as the new flare-ups stoked fresh concern for global energy markets. — Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 9 Sep. 2026 Dobber also pointed to growing concerns about air pollution and wildfire smoke as factors that can damage the lungs and increase the risk of COPD and disease flare-ups. — Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 8 Sep. 2026 This means that the duration and severity of acne flare-ups may be shorter and less severe. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 4 Sep. 2026 Black-and-white news footage shows volunteer firefighters swatting flames with tree branches and dousing flare-ups with flower-pot watering cans. — Michael Finnegan, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for flare-ups

Noun

Chelsea spent long stretches of the first half in survival mode as Arsenal roared onto the front foot after that shock opener, conjuring furious flurries of pressure from open play and set pieces.

— Liam Twomey, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
Just as real snow flurries often do, this portrayal of that weather lifted my heart.

— Michael Joseph Gross, Travel + Leisure, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of flurries

Noun

But closer to the surface, the lower water pressure and the high temperatures of volcanic material can cause violent explosions.

— Yook Ji Hun, ArsTechnica, 23 Sep. 2026
Shortly after the explosions at Hiroshima and Nagasaki, media archives show there was a mix of public reassurance, worry, and debate over international nuclear governance.

— J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of explosions

Noun

Even the World Organization for Animal Health, whose guidelines the CFIA follows, is reconsidering how effective culls are in halting bird-flu outbreaks in a world where the next wild duck to land at a farm could trigger another one.

— J. B. MacKinnon, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
This is also some good press for the species, which has been rocked by avian influenza outbreaks across North American nesting sites in the past few years.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of outbreaks

Noun

Movement research has long shown that even brief bursts increase circulation and prompt the release of dopamine and serotonin, which is the neurochemistry behind why a five-minute walk or stretch break shifts mood.

— Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2026
Even short bursts increase circulation, signal safety to the nervous system and prompt the release of dopamine and serotonin.

— Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of bursts

Noun

In the deep ocean, high water pressure can suppress explosive volcanic activity, making eruptions less destructive.

— Yook Ji Hun, ArsTechnica, 23 Sep. 2026
The Best Travel Photography of 2023 From the wildebeest migration in Kenya and volcanic eruptions in Iceland to shamanic rituals in Siberia.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of eruptions

Noun

The 4×4 has also been equipped with a bold body kit that includes a more aggressive front fascia, hood scoop, and even larger fender flares.

— Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 25 Sep. 2026
These flares are more extreme when the neutron star is closest to its stellar donor and thus passing through a denser stream of plasma.

— Robert Lea, Space.com, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of flares

Noun

Lime green piping traced an aubergine silk skirt; flashes of acidic color appeared on necklines and linings.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 21 Sep. 2026
They were rewarded by Kardashian’s arrival, clad in a formfitting tan midi dress with lace-up grommet detailing, triggering a storm of flashes and handshakes.

— Mary Wenthur, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of flashes

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flare-up

flare-ups

flaring

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“Flare-ups.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flare-ups. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of flare-ups

noun

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