incendiary 1 of 2

Definition of incendiarynext
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

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 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
The most incendiary musical comedy of 2025 will advance to the off-Broadway Orpheum Theatre in October, and its creators are marking the show’s return with, not surprisingly, two provocative events. Frank Digiacomo, HollywoodReporter, 12 June 2026 Arson – To unlawfully and intentionally damage or attempt to damage any real or personal property of another person or entity by fire or incendiary device. Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for incendiary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incendiary
Noun
  • Another bears an image of a sheep Statue of Liberty holding a selfie stick instead of a torch.
    David Kamp, New Yorker, 29 June 2026
  • Some held torches to light the way as floodlights appeared to illuminate the rubble against the darkness of night.
    Diego Mendoza, CNN Money, 28 June 2026
Noun
  • The Bongino Report, the website of the right-wing firebrand who would eventually serve a brief term as deputy director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, claimed that Check My Ads was violating tax rules.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 June 2026
  • Now, the right-wing firebrand has managed to win the backing of at least four billionaires as of May 6, according to the latest available election data—including the CEO and cofounder of Kalshi.
    Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • Digital platforms further amplify provocative behavior, potentially normalizing hate.
    Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • That can desensitize us to actions that in another context would be seen as deeply provocative.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • Gillespie also has a reputation for melding music to movies, as seen in Cruella, his 2021 movie that cast Disney villainess Cruella de Vil as a punk rock rebel in London’s fashion scene.
    Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 3 July 2026
  • The winner is the daughter of the late Alberto Fujimori, the former president whose government in the 1990s defeated the Shining Path extremist rebel group but also took an authoritarian turn.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026
Adjective
  • Yerba Mate Tea Yerba mate is a tea traditionally from South America that contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that may help lower inflammatory markers associated with certain types of arthritis, or inflammation and pain of the joint.
    Caitlin Beale, Health, 29 June 2026
  • Normal mice scratched and inflammatory immune cells rushed to the site, increasing swelling.
    ABC News, ABC News, 27 June 2026
Noun
  • Gray is endorsed by Kansas City’s branch of the Democratic Socialists of America, and represents the insurgent left flank of the Democratic Party in the race.
    Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 29 June 2026
  • Out went what was left of country-club Republicanism; in came the Fifth Avenue insurgent and his MAGA hordes.
    John Cassidy, New Yorker, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • The Onion is pressing ahead with its takeover of InfoWars, the conspiracy-laden media empire formerly owned by far-right provocateur Alex Jones.
    Drew Pittock, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • The height of her popularity came during her 12-year relationship with French provocateur Serge Gainsbourg.
    Michelle Duncan, Architectural Digest, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • The Constitution was crafted out of fear — fear of concentrated power, factional dominance, corruption, demagogues, unchecked executives, and the use of public office for personal gain.
    Paul Oestreicher, Hartford Courant, 10 June 2026
  • But those standards can be easily stretched by demagogues, and a simple majority on the committee is enough to ban a party, though a panel of nine Supreme Court justices can overturn the decision on appeal.
    Bernard Avishai, New Yorker, 18 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Incendiary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incendiary. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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