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 crown jewel here is the Chaîne des Puys, a chain of geologically young dormant volcanoes inactive for 10,000 years.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
4 June 2026
-
France’s Massif Central rounds out the European picks with dormant volcanoes, deep river gorges and lush plateaus.—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
Energy security in focus The war’s disruption to the Strait of Hormuz has sharpened focus on energy security around the world and comes on the heels of the energy crisis sparked by Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.—
Hanna Ziady,
CNN Money,
4 June 2026
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The small Nordic country had applied to join the EU in 2009 in the wake of the global financial crisis, before suspending membership talks four years later.—
Sam Meredith,
CNBC,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
Can people avoid the ticking HSA tax time bomb?—
Medora Lee,
USA Today,
20 May 2026
-
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
-
Moreover, as the tension between Penelope and Casey reaches a boiling point, Lori and Malcolm let the girls sort things out for themselves.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
15 May 2026
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The bad blood that had festered between the two competitors came to a boiling point.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
11 May 2026
Noun
-
Cleveland has since turned to Mike Rutenberg to lead the defense as Monken begins his tenure as head coach.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
3 June 2026
-
Beef cheeks and tongues, Frenched racks of lamb, glistening hams, poulet de Bresse, and rabbits still with their heads, round eyes blinkless under long lashes frozen in the ice.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 June 2026
Noun
-
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
-
What's the price increase breaking point for shoppers?—
Betty Lin-Fisher,
USA Today,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
Just as the Spurs appeared to show some life, New York just responded right back to steal the momentum away from the Spurs and put the clamps on in crunch time.—
Jacob Lev,
CNN Money,
4 June 2026
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In their four postseasons with Brunson, the Knicks are 18-10 in games that have gone to crunch time.—
Lev Akabas,
Sportico.com,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Flash point.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flash%20point. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
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