Thesaurus results for FLASH POINT

flash point

noun

Definition of flash point

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

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 protests became a flash point, sparking similar incidents in several other cities in Tennessee and at least one in Florida. — Rachel Tepper Paley, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 July 2026 More than 98% of active duty troops complied, but the mandate became a flash point. — Katrine L. Wallace, The Conversation, 24 June 2026 That’s a huge flash point in American society, far beyond this play. — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 26 May 2026 The fund is quickly turning into a high-level flash point between the White House and a GOP Senate that has mostly put aside differences with the president. — Sarah Davis, The Hill, 22 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for flash point

Recent Examples of Synonyms for flash point

Noun

Most wines are made on the Pico Island with its huge volcano, Ponta do Pico, Portugal’s highest mountain at 7,713 feet.

— Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Arthur’s Seat is a landmark dormant volcano that rises 251 meters (823 feet) above sea level, according to the Scottish tourism board, offering hikers views of the country’s capital city.

— Jack Guy, CNN Money, 20 July 2026

Definition of volcano

Noun

These crises emphasize that public health demands sustained public trust, transparent communication, robust investment in surveillance, and strong global partnerships to proactively address infectious disease threats.

— Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 24 July 2026
The alleged purpose of the bill is to improve the retention of police and firefighters, but evidence shows there isn’t a retention crisis among these employees.

— Zachary Christensen, Oc Register, 24 July 2026

Definition of crisis

Noun

Tensions surrounding the Dodgers hit a boiling point in 2025 following rumors that immigration officials were present at Dodger Stadium.

— Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026
The boiling point During what’s supposed to be a weekend of feasting, Gigi is eaten up by guilt.

— Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 9 July 2026

Definition of boiling point

Noun

For Luis Javier Santos, the former head of UFERCO who investigated the case against Hernández, the former leader’s return represents a failure to prosecute him for his crimes, rather than a chance for justice.

— ABC News, ABC News, 26 July 2026
Stab wounds vary from the stomach, head and kidney areas, according to dispatch audio reviewed by The Sacramento Bee.

— Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 26 July 2026

Definition of head

Noun

Keep in mind, there is a breaking point.

— Shep Hyken, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
Three of the Netherlands’ four goals came from this method, as Gakpo, Dumfries and Summerville stretched the Swedish defence to breaking point and opened up additional space in the middle.

— Carl Anka, New York Times, 20 June 2026

Definition of breaking point

Noun

However, Champagnie became the primary cross-match target on defense in the playoffs, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Brunson spent much of crunch time hunting isolation matchups on him.

— Jared Weiss, New York Times, 29 June 2026
With the games now having the kind of stakes that Thursday’s contest lacked, that leaky defense – especially in crunch time toward the end of matches – is the possible Achilles heel for this team.

— Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 26 June 2026

Definition of crunch time

Browse Nearby Words

flashlights

flash point

flash points

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Flash point.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flash%20point. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of flash point

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on flash point

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

kludge

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples

Popular in Wordplay

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 24

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes