1
as in volcano
a potentially explosive place or situation
that troubled region remains one of the world's most dangerous flash points
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in crisis
a time or state of affairs requiring prompt or decisive action
tensions between the two longtime adversaries were at a flash point
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of flash point
The Vance meme has become a political flash point in itself.
—
Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 2 July 2025
While use of the Latin Mass remains a flash point, a controversy in the rapidly growing Diocese of Charlotte, N.C., has raised questions about the status of other liturgical traditions and symbols.
—Arkansas Online, 7 June 2025
Who would have thought Oklahoma City would become a flash point of foot fashion.
—Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2025
Changes to Medicaid benefits and new work requirements will mean higher healthcare costs and less eligibility, creating a flash point in the broader debate over the bill.
—Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 15 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for flash point
Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 2 July 2025
While use of the Latin Mass remains a flash point, a controversy in the rapidly growing Diocese of Charlotte, N.C., has raised questions about the status of other liturgical traditions and symbols.
—Arkansas Online, 7 June 2025
Who would have thought Oklahoma City would become a flash point of foot fashion.
—Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2025
Changes to Medicaid benefits and new work requirements will mean higher healthcare costs and less eligibility, creating a flash point in the broader debate over the bill.
—Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 15 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for flash point
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flash point
Noun
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The story calls for a chorus of dancing sardines, a volcano, a villainous amoeba and more.—
Point Loma-Ob Monthly,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 Aug. 2025
-
Connolly advises viewing erupting volcanoes only by private helicopter ride.—
Robin Catalano,
Robb Report,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Prioritize essential work and key customers, yet be realistic in terms of the crisis.—
Eyal Shamir,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2025
-
Due to go into effect on Aug. 7, the new tariff has thrown the trade into crisis mode, especially in light of the other market forces complicating the industry.—
Victoria Gomelsky,
Robb Report,
6 Aug. 2025
Noun
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But state officials knew those ARPA dollars would be exhausted by 2026 and that using them to cover recurring expenses was a ticking fiscal time bomb, a huge hole that eventually would have to be filled some other way.—
Keith M. Phaneuf,
Hartford Courant,
2 Aug. 2025
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Both technologies promised transformative value but became liability time bombs when deployed without guardrails.—
Jacques Nack,
Forbes.com,
31 July 2025
Noun
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Texas House Democrats, including representatives from Tarrant County, are leaving the state to make a quorum impossible as a mid-decade redistricting push reaches a boiling point in the state Legislature.—
Eleanor Dearman
Updated August 3,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 Aug. 2025
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The water in the park's hot springs often reaches the boiling point, so swimming in them is prohibited to protect visitors as well as the park’s thermal environments, according to NPS.—
Melina Khan,
USA Today,
16 July 2025
Noun
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Now, Maineri heads into year 12 with 18 pitchers on his roster, hoping that rising junior Caleb Gilbert and sophomore-to-be Zach Hess will emerge at the top of the pitching rotation.—
John Roach,
NOLA.com,
19 July 2017
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Cal Fire representatives said the current parking mess has already impacted them because the driveway to their station enters the highway not far from the trail head.—
J. Harry Jones,
Ramona Sentinel,
19 July 2017
Noun
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For most, sabbaticals emerge from personal or professional breaking points.—
Aparna Rae,
Forbes.com,
30 July 2025
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Today, the term has evolved to mean reaching a breaking point due to excessive stress or emotional overwhelm.56 Many things can trigger crashing out, depending on the person.—
Angelica Bottaro,
Verywell Health,
20 July 2025
Noun
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Trump’s trip to the Capitol underscores that the GOP is entering crunch time with the reconciliation package, which contains key pieces of Trump’s agenda on taxes, border funding and spending.—
Mychael Schnell,
The Hill,
20 May 2025
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But a series of lousy draft picks and a lack of an attractive infrastructure — that imaginary permanent practice facility is being built any day now! — have kept them from acquiring the sort of superstars that carry teams in crunch time, the kind of difference-makers this town deserves.—
Bill Plaschke,
Los Angeles Times,
30 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Flash point.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flash%20point. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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