powder keg

Definition of powder kegnext
as in volcano
a potentially explosive place or situation the immigration bill has become a political powder keg for legislators on both sides of the aisle

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 powder keg Or, perhaps even more likely, Iran devolves into a morass, a chaotic power struggle that destabilizes the entire powder keg of a region. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 1 Mar. 2026 There are several other emotional powder kegs that need one little spark, and those babies are going all the way off. Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2026 This lack of accountability creates a powder keg. Joshua Simmons, Sun Sentinel, 11 Feb. 2026 Nellie keeping things bottled up was a powder keg waiting to blow. Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 20 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for powder keg
Recent Examples of Synonyms for powder keg
volcano
Noun
  • From towering volcanoes to fish-flying markets, the Pacific Northwest packs a remarkable range of experiences into one corner of the country.
    Lauren Schuster, Kansas City Star, 23 Apr. 2026
  • The area Most people come here to see Mount Fuji, and there are plenty of ways to commune with the volcano.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Powder keg.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/powder%20keg. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.

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