powder keg

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

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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 This was the powder keg that ultimately sparked in the 1911 Champagne riots. The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 28 Apr. 2025 The room was full and full of energy, reminiscent of the powder keg vibe of early Odd Future shows.f During weekend one, the group played in minimal light, obscuring their faces entirely. Jeff Miller, HollywoodReporter, 20 Apr. 2025 During that tour, just as now, America was raw and explosive, a powder keg. Ryan Miller, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025 During that tour, just as now, America was raw and explosive, a powder keg. Ryan Miller, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for powder keg
Recent Examples of Synonyms for powder keg
volcano
Noun
  • One of the world's most active volcanoes, Kilauea on Hawaii's Big Island, began spewing lava from the north vent Wednesday, the latest event in an ongoing eruption that began almost six months ago.
    CBS News, CBS News, 12 June 2025
  • In the depths of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, underwater volcanoes spew material into the ocean water.
    Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 11 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Powder keg.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/powder%20keg. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.

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