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as in firebrand
a person who stirs up public feelings especially of discontent
blamed the protests on outside incendiaries who were intent on overthrowing the government
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in provocative
tending to excite political disorder or insurrection
recklessly made incendiary remarks during a period of heightened racial tensions
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of incendiary
Bill Reinhard, New York Daily News, 26 Jan. 2024
The fire marshal’s investigation indicated that the cause of the fire, which started in an interior hallway, was an incendiary.
—Aegis Staff Report, Baltimore Sun, 23 Jan. 2024
Lolita C. Baldor, Arkansas Online, 15 June 2025
To understand race relations in South Africa, Mr. Trump shouldn’t pay attention to Mr. Malema’s incendiary remarks, explained the country’s minister of agriculture, John Steenhuisen, who is white.
—Kate Bartlett, Christian Science Monitor, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for incendiary
Noun
Aiyuk is the next incendiary to go off, especially if Deebo Samuel can’t go.
—Bill Reinhard, New York Daily News, 26 Jan. 2024
The fire marshal’s investigation indicated that the cause of the fire, which started in an interior hallway, was an incendiary.
—Aegis Staff Report, Baltimore Sun, 23 Jan. 2024
Adjective
Earlier this week, Trump raised eyebrows during a speech at Fort Bragg when members of the 82nd Airborne Division, who were directed to stand behind Trump, booed and cheered during his incendiary remarks, including condemnation of his predecessor Joe Biden.
—Lolita C. Baldor, Arkansas Online, 15 June 2025
To understand race relations in South Africa, Mr. Trump shouldn’t pay attention to Mr. Malema’s incendiary remarks, explained the country’s minister of agriculture, John Steenhuisen, who is white.
—Kate Bartlett, Christian Science Monitor, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for incendiary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incendiary
Noun
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Both 28 Years Later and The Bone Temple were shot back to back, so in order to make both movies happen so quickly, Boyle passed the torch to Candyman and The Marvels director Nia DaCosta.—
Alejandra Gularte,
Vulture,
24 June 2025
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The pair have developed a relationship; arguably the closest Frenchman to winning the Tour de France in the last two decades passing the torch to the nation’s latest hope.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
18 June 2025
Noun
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The insult to business found its leader in former FTC chief Lina Khan, a 36-year-old populist firebrand who was an anathema to business and tried to check its every move.—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
30 June 2025
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Former Trump adviser and conservative firebrand Steve Bannon told the Christian Science Monitor at a breakfast event on Wednesday that Israel can finish its task in Iran without roping in the U.S. military.—
Alexis Simendinger,
The Hill,
20 June 2025
Adjective
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On Monday, Davis Gates didn’t do herself or her cause any favors with provocative messaging about how Chicago’s children are CTU’s kids, too.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
25 June 2025
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The Second Lady offers a quick congratulations to the provocative conservative panelist.—
Alexandra Del Rosario,
Los Angeles Times,
24 June 2025
Noun
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Yemen's Houthi rebels, aligned with Iran, have continued to launch attacks in the region despite the truce, including previous drone and missile strikes targeting Israel.—
Amanda Castro
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 June 2025
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Young-il manages to separate from the group and betrays the rebels, killing two of them and faking his own death.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
Adjective
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Autoimmune diseases were used as an indirect marker of chronic inflammation, rather than direct measures using inflammatory biomarkers, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6).—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
24 June 2025
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Regularly applying shea butter may help reduce symptoms of this chronic inflammatory disease.—
Mark Gurarie,
Verywell Health,
23 June 2025
Noun
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Widely viewed as the most powerful of a broad array of insurgent groups active in northern Syria, HTS withstood regular attacks by the Syrian military, ultimately turning the tide last December.—
Tom O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 May 2025
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Trump's desire to back insurgents also could be slowed by his close working relationship with Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), who has encouraged Trump to get behind his members.—
Alex Isenstadt,
Axios,
12 May 2025
Noun
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Shocks to your sense of emotional security awaken your inner provocateur as Mars and Uranus clash!—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
15 June 2025
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But most Republicans remained silent, or accused Padilla of being a provocateur.—
James Rainey,
Los Angeles Times,
13 June 2025
Noun
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Today, as fears of authoritarianism and political demagogues have been unexpectedly rekindled, certain episodes are again recalled, especially those with political and social themes – which were contained within at least 1/3 of the total produced.—
Jody Mamone,
Hartford Courant,
21 June 2025
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Four women have accused the professional kickboxer-turned-internet demagogue of rape, in a historic UK civil suit.—
Sana Noor Haq,
CNN Money,
10 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Incendiary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incendiary. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.
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