1
as in volcano
a potentially explosive place or situation
that troubled region remains one of the world's most dangerous flash points
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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
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
This fall, the event became an unexpected flash point in L.A.’s debate over gentrification as long-simmering neighborhood tensions exploded and a vocal group of residents ultimately pushed the ultra-popular flea market out of town.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2024
Driven in part by the stifling economic and political fallout of China’s extended covid-19 lockdowns, the Chinese arrivals have become a political and national security flash point in Washington.
—Nick Miroff, Washington Post, 29 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for flash point 
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
This fall, the event became an unexpected flash point in L.A.’s debate over gentrification as long-simmering neighborhood tensions exploded and a vocal group of residents ultimately pushed the ultra-popular flea market out of town.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2024
Driven in part by the stifling economic and political fallout of China’s extended covid-19 lockdowns, the Chinese arrivals have become a political and national security flash point in Washington.
—Nick Miroff, Washington Post, 29 July 2024
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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The case raises concerns about whether officers receive sufficient instruction on identifying and responding to medical crises.—
Kristan Hawkins,
Newsweek,
7 Feb. 2025
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Bird flu:Is chicken meat next for shortages and soaring prices with egg crisis?—
Mike Snider,
USA TODAY,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
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But as family trauma in Syria is expressed in long lists of names and multiple dimensions of torture and suffering, without justice, such diversity could be a ticking time bomb in a society fractured along many lines.—
Scott Peterson,
The Christian Science Monitor,
31 Jan. 2025
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This is on top of the major cyber espionage against nine telecom companies, against hacking of U.S. infrastructure that incoming National Security Adviser Mike Waltz said was planting cyber time bombs in U.S. infrastructure.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
5 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Their sibling tension reached a boiling point at a recent family dinner after her parents announced plans for a vacation to celebrate their anniversary.—
Anders Fogh Rasmussen,
Newsweek,
5 Feb. 2025
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The conflict between Brigham Young and Jim Bridger has also been heating up to a boiling point that’s sure to end in violence.—
Keith Phipps,
Vulture,
10 Jan. 2025
Noun
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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
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Cal Fire representatives said the current parking mess has already impacted them because the driveway to their station enters the highway not far from the trail head.—
J. Harry Jones,
Ramona Sentinel,
19 July 2017
Noun
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While the woman and her younger sister initially complied with this rule to remain at peace, the situation has now reached a breaking point.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
5 Feb. 2025
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Institutions like Red Lobster and TGI Fridays filed for bankruptcy last year; Denny’s and Applebee’s announced major store closings; and customers reached their breaking point with McDonald’s, Burger King and KFC’s prices.—
Nathaniel Meyersohn,
CNN,
30 Jan. 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 16 Feb. 2025.
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