inflame

verb

in-ˈflām How to pronounce inflame (audio)
variants also enflame
Definition of inflamenext
1
as in to infuriate
to make angry the newspaper editorial inflamed her enough to inspire her to dash off a letter to the editor

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to burn
to set (something) on fire a carelessly tossed cigarette inflamed the papers in the trash can

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 inflame Efforts to manipulate public opinion and inflame social tensions are often pinned on Russia, Iran and other countries, although most of those bots Blue Square is tracking appear to be homegrown, Leiba explained. — Jackie Hajdenberg, Sun Sentinel, 29 June 2026 Allegations circulating online—including accusations of looting and interference with aid—have further inflamed public sentiment, though many claims remain unverified. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 29 June 2026 Fortunately, schools and organizations can also inflame desire. — David Brooks, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026 Ceremonies at the grave of the unknown soldier of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army in Lviv have inflamed tensions with neighboring Poland. — Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for inflame
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflame
  1. infuriate
  2. burn
  3. anger
  4. ignite
  5. enrage
  6. scorch
  7. irritate
  8. light
Verb
  • Speaking to them on the phone is infuriating since most of the conversation is about what’s going on with Kaden.
    — Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 17 July 2026
  • A week before Wembanyama agreed to that contract, the Boston Celtics traded Jaylen Brown to the division-rival Philadelphia 76ers for a surprisingly meager package, which infuriated much of their fanbase.
    — Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of infuriate
Verb
  • The video shows buildings burning near the Behbahan Northwest Airport in the central Khuzestan province.
    — Arpita Dasika, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
  • Indigenous filmmakers and screen storytellers often feel pressure to burn sage and show feathers, Riedel says.
    — Jennie Punter, Variety, 21 July 2026
Definition of burn
Verb
  • However, the cyclops was a son of Poseidon, and this attack angered the sea god.
    — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 18 July 2026
  • News reporting about the new plane’s security deficiencies angered the president and triggered a sprawling leak investigation.
    — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
Definition of anger
Verb
  • Continue reading … IN OTHER NEWS DINING HABITS — Actor declares one popular fry 'aren't fries,' igniting fierce online debate.
    — , FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026
  • Golden State went on a 12-0 run from that point, capped off by a deep 3-pointer from Veronica Burton to give the Valkyries a 68-65 lead and ignite the Chase Center crowd.
    — Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 19 July 2026
Definition of ignite
Verb
  • When Odysseus meets Sinon’s ghost — enraged by the circumstances of his death outside Troy — at the entrance to the underworld during his voyage home, Sinon warns Odysseus of the dangers his family faces back in Ithaca.
    — Tommy McArdle, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026
  • Year in and year out, in incidents small and noticeably larger, refinery accidents enraged neighbors and attracted regulators.
    — Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026
Definition of enrage
Verb
  • Deadly wildfires scorched a record-breaking swath of the state.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026
  • Since sunrise, the hillside has appeared scorched, with firefighters still working to extinguish the fire.
    — Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026
Definition of scorch
Verb
  • Indoor air can carry particles and gases that irritate growing lungs and airways, making breathing problems and infections more likely.
    — Dr. Lauren Zajac, Boston Herald, 19 July 2026
  • Formaldehyde can irritate our eyes, throats, noses and lungs, but can also cause cancer — suggesting that exposure to persistent wildfire smoke could become more toxic as time goes on.
    — Kasha Patel, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
Definition of irritate
Verb
  • Her spot at the support group, which now lights a blue candle with her name etched onto it before every meeting.
    — Jo Yurcaba, NBC news, 18 July 2026
  • However, a handful of the rocket’s 33 Raptor engines failed to light at the vehicle’s ignition, and therefore the launch attempt was aborted automatically.
    — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 17 July 2026
Definition of light

Browse Nearby Words

infixing
inflame
inflamed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inflame.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflame. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on inflame

Nglish: Translation of inflame for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of stalwart

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

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

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

Why do we say 'fly off the handle'?
See More

Popular

See More

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

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
thumbnail graphic with text word of the day quiz
Weekly "Word of the Day" Quiz See how well you know each Word of the Day for Ju...
See All