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
Despite the focus on the Middle East, the leaders took up major regional flash points, including the South China Sea territorial disputes involving Beijing, a five-year civil war in Myanmar and a recent border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia.
—
Jim Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026
Sidewalks and paths were another flash point, with Council Member Chris Allgood pressing the developer to help fill gaps along Montana Avenue so students can safely walk between Gem State Adventist Academy and nearby public schools.
—Noah Daly
may 7, Idaho Statesman, 7 May 2026
More than 98% of active duty troops complied, but the mandate became a flash point.
—Katrine L. Wallace, The Conversation, 28 Apr. 2026
The killing has become a flash point in a wider crackdown across the Persian Gulf.
—Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 17 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for flash point
Jim Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026
Sidewalks and paths were another flash point, with Council Member Chris Allgood pressing the developer to help fill gaps along Montana Avenue so students can safely walk between Gem State Adventist Academy and nearby public schools.
—Noah Daly
may 7, Idaho Statesman, 7 May 2026
More than 98% of active duty troops complied, but the mandate became a flash point.
—Katrine L. Wallace, The Conversation, 28 Apr. 2026
The killing has become a flash point in a wider crackdown across the Persian Gulf.
—Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 17 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for flash point
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flash point
Noun
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The resort can arrange land and sea excursions to Pigeon Island, Castries, the Pitons and the island’s volcano as well as scuba diving, whale watching, fishing, snorkeling, horseback riding and zip-lining.—
Sandra Guzmán,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
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The neighborhood/area The Icelandic Highlands are an incredibly special part of the country—uninhabited and covered with sprawling mountains and ancient volcanoes.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 June 2026
Noun
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Defense attorney Alexandra Kazarian said California politicians are repeating age-old mistakes of trying to arrest their way out of a mental health crisis.—
James Queally,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
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The wing also made mental health counseling, chapel, crisis intervention, and military and family readiness resources available to its community following Watson’s death.—
Reeti Malhotra,
Sacbee.com,
18 June 2026
Noun
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Can people avoid the ticking HSA tax time bomb?—
Medora Lee,
USA Today,
20 May 2026
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That is a real fiscal time bomb that could set off generational warfare in Washington.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
8 May 2026
Noun
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While the water is technically heated to near-boiling temperatures to brew coffee and tea, that’s not always enough to guarantee safety, especially when altitude changes the boiling point.—
Alesandra Dubin,
Southern Living,
7 June 2026
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The market for kids’ vintage clothing has heated up precipitously over the last few years, perhaps hitting a boiling point in January when an Eeyore romper from the ’90s sold for over $3,000 on EBay.—
Marah Eakin,
Los Angeles Times,
3 June 2026
Noun
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Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
17 June 2026
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He was left unconscious, suffering a head injury that remained bleeding days later.—
Joan Murray,
CBS News,
17 June 2026
Noun
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Running from the Rocky Mountains in Colorado to Mexico’s Gulf of California, the Colorado River is being pushed to the breaking point by years of drought and overuse.—
The Week US,
TheWeek,
8 June 2026
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Hugh Jackman has reportedly reached his breaking point with the ongoing drama surrounding his split from ex-wife Deborra-Lee Furness.—
Allison DeGrushe,
StyleCaster,
1 June 2026
Noun
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Brunson remains the go-to scorer and respected leader whose unflappability in crunch time, even during his down games, is the ultimate separator.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
14 June 2026
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Knicks star veteran guard Jalen Brunson often prevailed in crunch time, while Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox often missed key shots and made costly mistakes.—
Mark Medina,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Flash point.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flash%20point. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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