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
Relevance
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
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 flash point
The controversy was the latest flash point in rural Hood County between local governments’ efforts to grow their communities economically and their citizens who want to preserve a rural quality of life.
—
Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Jan. 2026
As my colleagues Seema Mehta and Caroline Petrow-Cohen report, the measure has the potential to become a political flash point.
—Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
Another potential flash point in the relationship between Menin and Mamdani is Israel’s war in Gaza.
—Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 7 Jan. 2026
Beyond that flash point, depictions of the fires have been limited.
—Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for flash point
Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Jan. 2026
As my colleagues Seema Mehta and Caroline Petrow-Cohen report, the measure has the potential to become a political flash point.
—Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
Another potential flash point in the relationship between Menin and Mamdani is Israel’s war in Gaza.
—Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 7 Jan. 2026
Beyond that flash point, depictions of the fires have been limited.
—Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for flash point
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flash point
Noun
-
Yet the magic of Bisate Reserve extends far beyond the misty mountains—from stunning nature trails on breathtaking vistas, to a soulful trek to the former research station of legendary conservationist Dian Fossey, and the chance to climb a dormant volcano.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Jan. 2026
-
The mineral formulas are inspired by top hot springs destinations around the world, as close as its sister property in Colorado’s Glenwood Springs to those that mimic the magnesium-rich waters that are heated by a volcano in Fuentes Georginas, Guatemala.—
Brittany Anas,
Forbes.com,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Why Cyber Resilience Must Be Built In True cyber resilience is not about reacting better after a crisis.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
22 Jan. 2026
-
Han, who was appointed by Yoon, served as one of the three caretaker leaders during the martial law crisis that led to Yoon's impeachment and eventually his removal from office.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Furthermore, the failure to understand how dark-side behaviors undermine psychological safety and collective judgment in day-to-day decision-making contributes to the ticking time bomb problem noted earlier.—
Mary Crossan,
Forbes.com,
21 Jan. 2026
-
And as the population continues to age, hundreds of millions could soon be leaving the workforce — a demographic crisis and ticking time bomb in one.—
Victor Tangermann,
Futurism,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The intense temperature and pressure of the impact heated the moon's crust and mantle so much that many of the volatile elements present (volatiles are elements with low boiling points), including potassium, evaporated and escaped into space.—
Keith Cooper,
Space.com,
23 Jan. 2026
-
But this past year saw a particularly notable surge in anti-AI sentiment, which now seems to have finally reached a boiling point in the Comic Con community.—
Frank Landymore,
Futurism,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Fed Chair Jerome Powell, a co-defendant in Cook’s case, has chosen to attend the oral arguments along with the Fed’s head lawyer, in what experts describe as an unusual show of support.—
Bryan Mena,
CNN Money,
21 Jan. 2026
-
Seven Western Conference reserves are yet to be named — they’ll be voted on by head coaches — and Murray is considered likely to take one of those spots.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The breaking point came two months earlier, when her sister-in-law called in a panic with a childcare request.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
29 Dec. 2025
-
Moms are being pushed to their breaking point, a new USA TODAY/Peacock survey shows.—
Sam Woodward,
USA Today,
12 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Ball posted 15 points to go with four rebounds and a pair of assists in 21 minutes, but there wasn’t much of a need for him in crunch time versus Golden State because the Hornets couldn’t keep pace with the Warriors.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
18 Jan. 2026
-
Compared to the recent crunch time losses to Arkansas State and Southern Miss, Texas State played with more composure against Louisiana.—
Caleb Yum,
Austin American Statesman,
15 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Flash point.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flash%20point. Accessed 27 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
