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as in firebrand
a person who stirs up public feelings especially of discontent
blamed the protests on outside incendiaries who were intent on overthrowing the government
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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Recent Examples of incendiary
Bill Reinhard, New York Daily News, 26 Jan. 2024
The fire marshal’s investigation indicated that the cause of the fire, which started in an interior hallway, was an incendiary.
—Aegis Staff Report, Baltimore Sun, 23 Jan. 2024
Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 25 June 2025
In another case, a South Carolina defendant who attacked Tesla charging stations with five incendiary devices was also allowed to await trial at home.
—David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for incendiary
Noun
Aiyuk is the next incendiary to go off, especially if Deebo Samuel can’t go.
—Bill Reinhard, New York Daily News, 26 Jan. 2024
The fire marshal’s investigation indicated that the cause of the fire, which started in an interior hallway, was an incendiary.
—Aegis Staff Report, Baltimore Sun, 23 Jan. 2024
Adjective
The latter song was incendiary, as Push targeted Travis Scott.
—Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 25 June 2025
In another case, a South Carolina defendant who attacked Tesla charging stations with five incendiary devices was also allowed to await trial at home.
—David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for incendiary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incendiary
Noun
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Over the years, Young Noble helped carry the group’s torch, contributing to multiple albums and collaborative projects.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
7 July 2025
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Claiborne’s successor, former council member Jeff Syracuse, carried the torch to secure funding for the separate event center.—
Austin Hornbostel,
The Tennessean,
4 July 2025
Noun
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Where to watch: Hulu, Disney+ 'Madea's Destination Wedding' Tyler Perry's don't-call-her-elderly firebrand Madea returns in yet another comedy.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
12 July 2025
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Since assuming office in December 2023, the firebrand libertarian economist has slashed government expenditures and secured a $20 billion deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).—
Jesus Mesa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 July 2025
Adjective
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These songs were birthed before social media algorithms shaped the direction of popular music, when singles and their accompanying videos had less winks, less meta commentary, less need to be provocative.—
Clarence A. Haynes
July 3,
Literary Hub,
3 July 2025
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The film is provocative, if gently so, in suggesting to consider how a radical was made, and that mistreatment and bias in the West can be a contributing factor.—
Steven Zeitchik,
HollywoodReporter,
1 July 2025
Noun
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The Houthis paused attacks until the U.S. launched a broad assault against the rebels in mid-March.—
Sydney Lake,
Fortune,
8 July 2025
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Shortly after that, Israeli airstrikes on Iranian weapons shipments to Hezbollah across neighboring Syria — at the time, a key ally of Iran — weakened the dictatorship of President Bashar al-Assad, who was overthrown last December by rebels.—
James Hider,
NPR,
7 July 2025
Adjective
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The inflammatory comments come shortly after Musk had promised improvements to Grok’s operations.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
9 July 2025
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The White House called on congressional Democrats to tone down inflammatory language after a gunman on Monday opened fire at Border Patrol agents at an annex facility in McAllen, Texas.—
Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
8 July 2025
Noun
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Prod: María Isabel Páramo, Iván García) One of the biggest swings among BAM projects, set in 1996 Colombia, as the country succumbs to bloody insurgent warfare.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
15 July 2025
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Delegates followed that recommendation, rejecting a number of insurgent candidates.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
11 July 2025
Noun
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The 29th edition of the Umbria Film Festival in Italy is kicking off today, and its honorary president, Terry Gilliam, has plenty to say about his long and varied career as filmmaker, funny man and provocateur.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
8 July 2025
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Among them were also influencers, content creators and provocateurs who hoped to boost their online followings.—
Elizabeth Robinson,
NBC news,
4 July 2025
Noun
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As a Baptist preacher and an anti-Catholic demagogue, Catts played well to a certain constituency at the time.—
Orlando Sentinel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 May 2025
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Today, as fears of authoritarianism and political demagogues have been unexpectedly rekindled, certain episodes are again recalled, especially those with political and social themes – which were contained within at least 1/3 of the total produced.—
Jody Mamone,
Hartford Courant,
21 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Incendiary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incendiary. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
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