1
2
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
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 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
Sabrina Souza, CNN Money, 14 Apr. 2025
Police allege Balmer broke into the southern wing of the residence, entering a room often used to entertain crowds and display art, and set a fire using a homemade incendiary device.
—Marc Levy, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 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
Inside, Balmer threw a second incendiary device, causing more flames, the affidavit said.
—Sabrina Souza, CNN Money, 14 Apr. 2025
Police allege Balmer broke into the southern wing of the residence, entering a room often used to entertain crowds and display art, and set a fire using a homemade incendiary device.
—Marc Levy, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for incendiary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incendiary
Noun
-
Not just as an inspiration, but almost like the passing of the torch.—
Nasha Smith,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2025
-
This match seems like the beginning of a passing of the torch to Valkyria.—
Jeremy Hanna,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 May 2025
Noun
-
For her commitment, Rodrigo received the Catalyst of Change award, presented by fellow feminist firebrand Lily Allen.—
Kristen Bateman,
Vogue,
25 Apr. 2025
-
In addition to the firebrand Vermont independent, the event will also feature his tour mate, Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, as well as Neil Young, Joan Baez and Maggie Rogers.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
When faced with a provocative or forceful colleague, Judo executives don’t counter-punch.—
Stephen Miles,
Forbes.com,
8 May 2025
-
The 32,000-square-foot homage to everything X rated is an ideal place for adults (18 and over) to throw a provocative bash.—
Madeleine Marr,
Miami Herald,
6 May 2025
Noun
-
Despite all their years of playing cat-and-mouse, Diego Luna’s rebel spy Cassian Andor and Kyle Soller‘s Empire agent Syril Karn have never had much screen time together — until now.—
Jordan Moreau,
Variety,
7 May 2025
-
Israel has repeatedly targeted the rebels in Yemen.—
Elena Becatoros,
Los Angeles Times,
6 May 2025
Adjective
-
Excess fat – particularly the tissue that surrounds the internal organs – is metabolically active, producing inflammatory molecules, altering hormone levels and impairing insulin signaling.—
Jesse Pines,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2025
-
This chronic inflammatory skin condition, which causes a loss of pigmentation (color), can occur in people with ulcerative colitis.—
Sherri Gordon,
Health,
9 May 2025
Noun
-
As threats from insurgents faded, crackdowns by an authoritarian government surged.—
Mitra Taj,
New York Times,
17 May 2025
-
As a result, the new international legal architecture curbed starvation tactics in interstate wars and during occupations but stopped short of fully criminalizing the weapon, particularly when used by poorer states against insurgent groups in civil wars.—
Boyd van Dijk,
Foreign Affairs,
30 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
A couple of weeks ago, the provocateur Laura Loomer got the White House to force the firing of some of his aides, which was a little like taking personnel advice from Lyndon LaRouche.—
The Editors,
National Review,
2 May 2025
-
The hip hop provocateur assured worried fans that everything was OK.—
Karu F. Daniels,
New York Daily News,
15 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
But critics regard him as a demagogue who relies on stoking divisions and demonizing his rivals.—
Time,
Time,
8 Apr. 2025
-
Her father was a consul; her brother, Clodius Pulcher, was a powerful demagogue and the archenemy of Cicero.—
Daniel Mendelsohn,
New Yorker,
31 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Incendiary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incendiary. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share