Synonyms for

Inflammatory

Verb / ɪˈnflæmʌˌtɔ:ri: / Another word for inflammatory — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

tending to excite anger, hostility, or passion

Synonyms & similar words

incitive rabblerousing seditious incendiary instigative provocative inciting incendiary inflaming instigative agitating arousing stimulating rousing exacerbating irritating offensive insulting offending inflammatory infectious malignant cancerous invasive metastatic

Synonyms by register

Formal

irritating provocative incendiary agitating

Informal

stirring up trouble hot-headed fire-starting

Literary

baleful pernicious

Antonyms

calming soothing peaceful pacifying anti-inflammatory anti-inflammatory

Common collocations

  • inflammatory remarks
  • inflammatory speech
  • inflammatory response
  • inflammatory material
  • inflammatory disease
  • inflammatory process
  • inflammatory bowel disease

Word family

noun inflammation
verb inflame
adjective inflammatory
adverb inflammatorily

Usage note

Often used to describe language or actions that are intended to provoke anger or violence. Be careful not to confuse with 'anti-inflammatory', which has the opposite meaning in a medical context.

Example sentences

  1. The inflammatory article caused a lot of controversy.
  2. The politician's inflammatory speech caused a riot.
  3. The doctor prescribed medicine to reduce the patient's inflammatory symptoms.
  4. The inflammatory Facebook post sparked a heated debate.
  5. The coach's inflammatory comments caused a backlash from the team.

Quotes

  • 'Anger is an inflammatory thing, and it will cloud your judgment until you inevitably fall into darkness.' - Lauren Oliver
  • 'Fashion is an inflammatory art.' - Jeremy Scott
  • 'I do not believe that sheer suffering teaches. If suffering alone taught, all the world would be wise, since everyone suffers. To suffering must be added mourning, understanding, patience, love, openness, and the willingness to remain vulnerable.' - Anne Morrow Lindbergh

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