flare-ups

noun

plural of flare-up
1
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
2
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 From dealing with symptom flare-ups and unrelenting fatigue to following strict medication schedules, managing a health condition that no one in your circle relates to can be incredibly isolating. — Katie Camero, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026 The fire, however, was only 31% contained as of Monday, and was expected to continue to see flare-ups as hot and windy conditions persisted, officials said. — Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2026 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 Washington and Tehran differ over whether Iran has a say in which vessels can cross the crucial waterway and when, leading to flare-ups. — Victoria Craw, Washington Post, 27 June 2026 The multiday effort has been full of challenges for firefighters, with fiery flare-ups shooting up from the building whose roof is covered with solar panels. — Arkansas Online, 21 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flare-ups
  1. flurries
  2. explosions
  3. outbreaks
  4. outbursts
  5. bursts
  6. eruptions
  7. flares
  8. flashes
Noun
  • The past 14 years have included some flurries of diplomatic contact between Iran and the West.
    — Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026
  • There is even a remote possibility for a few flurries in the highest peaks of the Sierra on Saturday and Sunday nights with temps briefly below freezing.
    — Sean Macaday, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2026
Definition of flurries
Noun
  • Fedorov’s removal came as Russian missiles struck Kyiv early Thursday, with loud explosions heard in the Ukrainian capital just hours before British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was set to arrive.
    — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
  • And most often these fires, explosions and leaks happen in working-class neighborhoods.
    — Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026
Definition of explosions
Noun
  • The outbreak, which was declared underway only two months ago, is the third largest on record and has grown at a faster rate than previous outbreaks.
    — Helen Branswell, STAT, 16 July 2026
  • Because of that commonality and because produce has been behind some past cyclospora outbreaks, Michigan officials advised consumers to buy whole heads of lettuce, discard the outer layers and thoroughly wash what is left.
    — Mike Stobbe, Fortune, 15 July 2026
Definition of outbreaks
Noun
  • There are no explosive revelations, gotcha moments, dramatic confessions, or theatrical outbursts.
    — Rhoda Feng, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • Sleep deprivation strips away that capacity, often resulting in erratic outbursts or defensive behaviors that dismantle trust instantly.
    — Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of outbursts
Noun
  • Under rural Spanish skies, particularly in dark-sky regions away from towns and cities, observers could see 30 to 50 meteors per hour, with occasional bursts producing even more.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 14 July 2026
  • When the aorta bursts, blood rushes through the tear, which often leads to sudden death.
    — Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 13 July 2026
Definition of bursts
Noun
  • Francesco was known to be an alchemist who experimented with chemical substances, which could explain the skin eruptions, Giuffra added.
    — Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
  • Because of its location, Goma has been affected by eruptions of Nyiragongo.
    — Chinatsu Tsuji, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 July 2026
Definition of eruptions
Noun
  • The video includes a few shots of Spidey taking a foldable phone off a 3D printer and opening it book-style, but each shot is heavily obscured by lens flares.
    — Stevie Bonifield, The Verge, 15 July 2026
  • Last week, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration sent autonomous driving companies a letter saying some cars have been driving through emergency scenes, ignoring flares and traffic cones and obstructing ambulances.
    — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 14 July 2026
Definition of flares
Noun
  • Anyone who notices flashes, new floaters or a shadow in their vision should seek urgent eye care.
    — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2026
  • The nurturing Moon in your 12th House of Solitude conjoins sudden Uranus there, so flashes of insight may surface in dreams, meditation, or a quiet shower.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 11 July 2026
Definition of flashes

Browse Nearby Words

flare-up
flare-ups
flaring
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Cite this Entry

“Flare-ups.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flare-ups. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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