as in provocative
tending to excite political disorder or insurrection
the restless crowd was stirred up by the inflammatory rhetoric
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 inflammatory
During her pregnancy with John, the Marchioness developed hypophysitis — a rare inflammatory condition affecting the pituitary gland that can lead to serious hormonal complications and, in severe cases, become life-threatening.
—
Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026
The main reasons include inadequate food intake, malabsorption, and certain chronic inflammatory conditions.
—Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 12 May 2026
Benitez was prone to making what were perceived as inflammatory comments about Chelsea in press conferences during his spell on Merseyside — remarks he was not allowed to forget when he was appointed at Stamford Bridge.
—Simon Johnson, New York Times, 11 May 2026
At the same time, hormones help regulate inflammatory signaling in the body.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for inflammatory
Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026
The main reasons include inadequate food intake, malabsorption, and certain chronic inflammatory conditions.
—Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 12 May 2026
Benitez was prone to making what were perceived as inflammatory comments about Chelsea in press conferences during his spell on Merseyside — remarks he was not allowed to forget when he was appointed at Stamford Bridge.
—Simon Johnson, New York Times, 11 May 2026
At the same time, hormones help regulate inflammatory signaling in the body.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for inflammatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflammatory
Adjective
-
So, could this be the goal of this provocative collaboration?—
Clara Ludmir,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
-
Both men were hospitalized after the shooting; community members describe Eatherly as someone whose provocative actions have intensified tensions and dangerous confrontations.—
Kristin M. Hall,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
Pro-democracy advocate Lai, founder of the now-shuttered Apple Daily newspaper, was convicted in December for collusion with foreign forces, endangering national security, and conspiracy to publish seditious materials.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
12 May 2026
-
Six members of the Oath Keepers, including Rhodes, were convicted on charges of seditious conspiracy following the attack.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
6 May 2026
Adjective
-
Some of the most intense—and mysterious—of these were giant incendiary darts.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
14 May 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,
6 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inflammatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflammatory. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
