1
as in volcano
a potentially explosive place or situation
that troubled region remains one of the world's most dangerous flash points
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in crisis
a time or state of affairs requiring prompt or decisive action
tensions between the two longtime adversaries were at a flash point
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of flash point
Beyond cultural flash points, Bluesky is also grappling with a range of brass-tacks moderation issues that come as the price of popularity.
—
Kevin Collier, NBC News, 22 Dec. 2024
Among the major flash points this year: Breakthrough fighting in Syria throws Russia off balance and elevates Turkey.
—Colin Demarest, Axios, 4 Dec. 2024
Funding for Ukraine has been a frequent flash point in government funding negotiations since Russia’s 2022 invasion, and the spigot is likely to close upon Trump’s inauguration.
—Sylvan Lane, The Hill, 10 Dec. 2024
What had been an inconvenience in one direction is now a blockage for both, a potential flash point.
—Alfredo Sosa, The Christian Science Monitor, 13 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for flash point 
Kevin Collier, NBC News, 22 Dec. 2024
Among the major flash points this year: Breakthrough fighting in Syria throws Russia off balance and elevates Turkey.
—Colin Demarest, Axios, 4 Dec. 2024
Funding for Ukraine has been a frequent flash point in government funding negotiations since Russia’s 2022 invasion, and the spigot is likely to close upon Trump’s inauguration.
—Sylvan Lane, The Hill, 10 Dec. 2024
What had been an inconvenience in one direction is now a blockage for both, a potential flash point.
—Alfredo Sosa, The Christian Science Monitor, 13 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for flash point
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flash point
Noun
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The pilot follows an offbeat Fresno diner where an ex-party girl, a volatile chef, and an oddball busboy contend with ghost pirates, volcanoes, and the minor inconvenience of dying.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
4 Feb. 2025
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Organize a group sail on a catamaran, visit a volcano or tour in a rain forest.—
Lynn O'Rourke Hayes,
Boston Herald,
2 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Financial education equips individuals with the tools to avoid crises and secure long-term stability.—
Dr. Aman Alzubier,
Forbes,
19 Feb. 2025
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The off-screen tension was confirmed in December when The New York Times published a bombshell report that accused Baldoni of enlisting the help of a crisis communication firm to wage a social media campaign against Lively.—
Cheyenne Roundtree,
Rolling Stone,
19 Feb. 2025
Noun
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That would mean a country suffering from the particular malaise that’s afflicted Japan, Norway, the U.K. and elsewhere: an aging population with a dwindling worker base, essentially an economic ticking time bomb.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
17 Jan. 2025
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In December 1990, officials in the federal agency tasked with regulating offshore oil and gas drilling received a memo with a dire warning: America faced a ticking time bomb of environmental liability from unplugged oil and gas wells, wrote the agency’s chief of staff.—
Mark Olalde,
ProPublica,
30 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Related article Two transgender girls sue to challenge Trump’s executive order banning them from girls’ school sports The Stonewall riots erupted as the gay rights movement of the 1960s was building momentum across the United States and frustrations were reaching a boiling point.—
Elizabeth Wolfe,
CNN,
13 Feb. 2025
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The situation reached a boiling point following a Friday press conference by Fuji TV president Koichi Minato that drew widespread criticism for its lack of transparency.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
21 Jan. 2025
Noun
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There's always one shot that leaves a golfer shaking his or her head.—
Mike Hutton,
Post-Tribune,
19 July 2017
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Now, Maineri heads into year 12 with 18 pitchers on his roster, hoping that rising junior Caleb Gilbert and sophomore-to-be Zach Hess will emerge at the top of the pitching rotation.—
John Roach,
NOLA.com,
19 July 2017
Noun
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While out on a business dinner with two potential clients — Jeff is hoping to fill their hotels with his furniture — Shauna hits her breaking point when the clients are less than polite.—
Samantha Highfill,
EW.com,
14 Feb. 2025
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As our feature last month noted, streamers have reeled in their spending after an intense period of spending on original shows and films stretched the market to breaking point.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
11 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The Celtics’ struggles haven’t been limited to crunch time, however.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
29 Jan. 2025
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The Wolves — and especially Edwards — have been terrible in crunch time, as The Athletic detailed.—
Nick Halter,
Axios,
24 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near flash point
Cite this Entry
“Flash point.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flash%20point. Accessed 23 Feb. 2025.
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