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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
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
Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 30 July 2025
Some of Hunter Biden’s more incendiary comments came during a sit-down with Callaghan, who hosts the YouTube series Channel 5.
—Brett Samuels, The Hill, 21 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for 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
Given the nation’s political climate, the decision to scrutinize law enforcement decisions and the conduct of prosecutors and judges could be seen as an incendiary move.
—Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 30 July 2025
Some of Hunter Biden’s more incendiary comments came during a sit-down with Callaghan, who hosts the YouTube series Channel 5.
—Brett Samuels, The Hill, 21 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for incendiary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incendiary
Noun
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And even as the price tag of the Brewsense model that has held that spot has increased to over $100, Braun’s Pureflavor picked up the cheap coffee maker torch.—
Noah Kaufman,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
4 Sep. 2025
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This feels like the right moment to pass the torch as the Alliance prepares for its next chapter.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Hong Kong — The judges in the trial of Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai on Thursday retired to consider their verdict on three national security charges that could see the 77-year-old pro-democracy firebrand jailed for life.—
Chris Lau,
CNN Money,
28 Aug. 2025
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Most frequently, the audience experienced Young tap his inner firebrand.—
Bob Gendron,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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And the goal is to be provocative and push boundaries.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
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Fun, provocative and sometimes controversial, the MTV Video Music Awards stand out among other award shows.—
USA Today,
USA Today,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The New York Times in 2015 reported that hundreds of Colombian mercenaries had been sent to Yemen to fight against the Houthi rebels, hired directly — and in secret — by the UAE.—
Rebecca Johns,
Miami Herald,
6 Sep. 2025
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Tapping into your inner rebel as of late, Sagittarius?—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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This includes blood cell, metabolic, cardiovascular, and inflammatory markers, Navani says.—
Alexa Mikhail,
Flow Space,
4 Sep. 2025
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When there is excessive belly fat, the fat storage cells become too large, and this can result in the production and release of inflammatory proteins.—
Bryant Stamford,
Louisville Courier Journal,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
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This might enable a mission which, for example, a Viper is located covertly next to a safe house known to be used by insurgents.—
David Hambling,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
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As the occupation wore on, the Iraqis became proficient at building roadside bombs in basements, garages, and other insurgent test kitchens spread across Baghdad and Anbar.—
Graeme Wood,
The Atlantic,
2 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Gibby was the absolute provocateur.—
Pat Blashill,
Rolling Stone,
28 Aug. 2025
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So instead of making these obvious points to union provocateurs such as Davis Gates, our political leaders treat her with kid gloves.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Our shrinking attention span has left us vulnerable to demagogues and misinformation from every direction.—
Doug McIntyre,
Oc Register,
31 Aug. 2025
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Because huge shocks to the system tend to empower either a) bold problem solvers or b) populist demagogues.—
Matt K. Lewis,
Twin Cities,
19 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Incendiary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incendiary. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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