fierier; fieriest
Synonyms of fiery
1
a
: consisting of fire
fiery tongues playing about the roof of the burning building
b
: marked by fire
a fiery crash
c
: using or carried out with fire
the fiery experiments of the ancient alchemists
d
: liable to catch fire or explode : flammable
a fiery vapor
2
a
: hot like a fire
the fiery taste of red pepper
b(1)
: being in an inflamed state or condition
a fiery boil
(2)
: feverish and flushed
a fiery forehead
3
: of the color of fire : red
a fiery sunset
4
a
: full of or exuding emotion or spirit
a fiery sermon
b
: easily provoked : irritable
a fiery temper
fiery adverb

Examples of fiery in a Sentence

He was killed in a fiery crash. the fiery Yule log made a splendid backdrop for our holiday party
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Insiders note that O’Leary, who became president and CEO of Cinema United in 2023, was appointed in part because he was viewed as less fiery than his predecessor, John Fithian, an outspoken advocate for theater owners. Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 11 Aug. 2026 In locations where the eclipse will occur around sunset, people may see Perseid meteors during totality, the minutes when the moon fully blocks the sun’s light, leaving a fiery ring and temporarily darkening the skies. Denise Chow, NBC news, 11 Aug. 2026 Just be sure to put them on again before its fiery disk reemerges from the other side of the lunar disk. Anthony Wood, Space.com, 9 Aug. 2026 Kiros gets on the mic and gives a fiery stump speech about billionaires and corporations trying to silence their movement. Josh Eells, Rolling Stone, 9 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fiery

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from fire, fier fire

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of fiery was in the 13th century

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Cite this Entry

“Fiery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fiery. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

fierier; fieriest
1
: being on fire : blazing
2
: hot or glowing like a fire
3
a
: full of spirit
a fiery speech
b
: easily set off
a fiery temper
fieriness noun

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