flash point

noun

Synonyms of flash pointnext
1
: the lowest temperature at which vapors above a volatile combustible substance ignite in air when exposed to flame
2
: a point at which someone or something bursts suddenly into action or being
But the feud between the two men reached another flash point …—Richard Lacayo
3
: tinderbox sense 2
The city became a flash point as tensions grew.

Synonyms of flash point

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Examples of flash point in a Sentence

The city became a flash point as political tensions grew. The situation reached a flash point when union leaders urged the workers to protest.
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.
The central role of tech platforms in determining who’s eligible has become a flash point, with unions and labor rights groups reporting widespread problems with access and eligibility. — Jacob Lederman, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 2026 Beyond soccer, the WNBA has never been more culturally significant, producing a deep roster of bona fide stars while becoming a recurring political flash point. — Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 5 Aug. 2026 And it’s been one of the country’s most visible flash points in the race to build new critical-mineral mines. — Justin Worland, Time, 4 Aug. 2026 Sophie Cunningham’s stance on protecting women’s sports has become a major flash point across the WNBA, and the backlash followed her supporters to Minnesota on Sunday. — Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flash point

Word History

First Known Use

1878, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of flash point was in 1878

Rhymes for flash point

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Browse Nearby Words

flash plate
flash point
flash ranging
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Cite this Entry

“Flash point.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flash%20point. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on flash point

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about flash point

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