inflammatory

adjective

in-ˈfla-mə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce inflammatory (audio)
Definition of inflammatorynext
as in provocative
tending to excite political disorder or insurrection the restless crowd was stirred up by the inflammatory rhetoric

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Not just a standard blood panel, but a fuller picture of inflammatory status, metabolic health, sleep architecture, gut microbiome composition, and cognitive function. — Eman Bare, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 One biologic, called Humira, can cost a patient $7,000 per month to treat inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. — John Kell, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026 In July, he was diagnosed with high blood pressure and an inflammatory condition. — Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 26 Aug. 2026 Piker, whose inflammatory comments about American Jews have drawn condemnations across the aisle, has been a frequent flyer on the campaign trail and appeared with Michigan Senate nominee Abdul el Sayed before the state’s primary elections. — Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inflammatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflammatory
  1. provocative
  2. seditious
  3. incendiary
Adjective
  • Shah has previously made headlines for his fiercely nationalist and provocative posture towards both countries.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Kirk launched Turning Point USA in 2012 and made provocative statements about race, gender and politics.
    — Corey Williams, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of provocative
Adjective
  • That Russia’s oldest liberal party was effectively a seditious foreign agent.
    — Ilan Berman, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • That was the extent of her involvement in the special counsel’s investigation, which led to more than 1,500 people being charged, with most convicted of trespassing, vandalism, assault or seditious conspiracy.
    — Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of seditious
Adjective
  • There was some misinformation, but no generative AI to create it at scale, and no algorithms to amplify incendiary content.
    — Larry Magid, Mercury News, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The Cleveland Fire Department said that its investigation into the fire determined the cause incendiary and labeled it an arson.
    — Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of incendiary

Browse Nearby Words

inflammations
inflammatory
inflate
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inflammatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflammatory. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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