Synonyms of powder keg

powder keg

noun

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

• volcano
• time bomb
• flash point
• third rail
• hot button
• tinderbox

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of powder keg

Sources additionally say that officers have burnt out while working overtime month after month — all on top of functioning in an already tense and dangerous environment, likening the situation to a powder keg ready to blow. — Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 19 July 2026

However, internal conflict between the brash younger generation and the old-school leadership threatens to set a match to this powder keg, which will sweep the Westies into the FBI’s ever-deepening investigation into the Italian mafia. — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 17 June 2026

The scene isn’t just a powder keg of tension that leads to frenzied bedlam; its cynical depiction of human self-preservation is far more terrifying than any horror movie monster. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 15 June 2026

However, there are enough powder kegs and flying sparks around to turn all of this on its head. — Clem Chambers, Forbes.com, 19 May 2026