Synonyms of incendiary

incendiary 1 of 2

noun

1

as in torch

a person who deliberately and unlawfully sets fire to a building or other property

firefighters caught the incendiary, who was watching the effects of his handiwork

Synonyms & Similar Words

• torch
• arsonist
• igniter
• firebug
• pyromaniac
• flamer
• kindler
• immolator
• inflamer

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

• firebrand
• rebel
• insurgent
• provocateur
• demagogue
• apostle
• proponent
• promoter
• agitator
• supporter
• instigator
• protester
• advocate
• inciter
• exciter
• demonstrator
• revolutionary
• fomenter
• reformer
• rabble-rouser
• kindler
• booster
• extremist
• champion
• reformist
• alarmist
• exponent
• troublemaker
• objector
• subversive
• radical
• picketer
• marcher
• insurrectionist
• agent provocateur
• revolutionist
• provoker
• persuader
• prompter
• revolter
• backer
• prodder

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• peacemaker
• reconciler
• uniter

incendiary

2 of 2

adjective

in-ˈsen-dē-ˌer-ē 

as in provocative

tending to excite political disorder or insurrection

recklessly made incendiary remarks during a period of heightened racial tensions

Synonyms & Similar Words

• provocative
• inflammatory
• seditious
• revolutionary
• agitational
• instigative
• mutinous
• rebellious

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• conciliatory
• diplomatic
• pacific
• soothing
• calming

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of incendiary

Noun

Ukrainian officers also accused Russia of using incendiaries in attacks on the city of Bakhmut last year. — Brad Lendon, CNN, 7 Sep. 2024

But the only traditional incendiaries in the story are the radical Protestant preacher Anne Askew (Erin Doherty), a friend of Katherine’s, and Henry’s minion, Bishop Stephen Gardiner, played by an inquisitorial Simon Russell Beale. — Michael O'Sullivan, Washington Post, 14 June 2024

Adjective

Sixty-four of its cities had been reduced to rubble and ash by incendiary bombs, as a submarine blockade strangled its economy, cutting off food, fuel, and raw materials. — James M. Scott, Time, 10 Aug. 2026

In 2024, an incendiary device ignited at a logistics center at the airport and set fire to a freight container, part of a plot that Western security officials suspect was organized by Russian intelligence. — ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026