What Is Another Way to Say “Flare Up”?

Looking for synonyms for flare up? We’ve got you covered!

Here’s a list of other ways to say flare up.

  • Erupt
  • Ignite
  • Intensify
  • Escalate
  • Explode
  • Inflame
  • Exacerbate
  • Aggravate
  • Kindle
  • Burst forth
  • Break out
  • Blaze
  • Rage
  • Recrudesce
  • Rekindle

Want to learn how to say flare up professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.

1. Erupt

Use ‘erupt’ to describe a sudden outburst or occurrence, often of emotions or violence.
Example: “Tensions in the meeting room erupted over the budget cuts.”

2. Ignite

‘Ignite’ is suitable for the initiation of a sudden intense situation or emotion, often conflict or passion.
Example: “The new policy change seemed to ignite controversy among the staff.”

3. Intensify

Use ‘intensify’ when a situation or condition becomes stronger or more severe.
Example: “As the deadline approached, the pressure in the team started to intensify.”

4. Escalate

‘Escalate’ is used for a situation that is increasing in intensity or severity, often rapidly.
Example: “The debate over the new project strategy quickly escalated.”

5. Explode

Use ‘explode’ to describe a sudden and violent outburst, often of emotions or reactions.
Example: “The conflict between the departments exploded into a full-blown argument.”

6. Inflame

‘Inflame’ refers to provoking or intensifying strong emotions or a situation.
Example: “The CEO’s comments seemed to inflame the already tense atmosphere.”

7. Exacerbate

Use ‘exacerbate’ to describe making an already bad or problematic situation worse.
Example: “The delay in the project schedule only served to exacerbate the team’s challenges.”

8. Aggravate

‘Aggravate’ is appropriate for making a situation worse or more serious.
Example: “Continual changes in the project scope aggravated the team’s workload.”

9. Kindle

Use ‘kindle’ to describe the initiation of a feeling, process, or substance, often starting slowly then growing.
Example: “The announcement kindled hope among the employees for positive changes.”

10. Burst Forth

‘Burst forth’ is used for something that suddenly and forcefully emerges or becomes apparent.
Example: “Creativity burst forth in the brainstorming session after a slow start.”

11. Break Out

Use ‘break out’ to describe something that suddenly starts, especially a conflict or disease.
Example: “A dispute broke out in the committee over the allocation of funds.”

12. Blaze

‘Blaze’ refers to burning fiercely or displaying something intensely and publicly.
Example: “Controversy blazed through the office after the new policy was announced.”

13. Rage

Use ‘rage’ for a situation of intense or violent action or emotion.
Example: “The debate over company ethics raged for hours.”

14. Recrudesce

‘Recrudesce’ is suitable for something reactivating or recurring after a period of quiescence.
Example: “The issue of data privacy recrudesced in the meeting, sparking new debates.”

15. Rekindle

Use ‘rekindle’ to describe the resurgence of an emotion, conflict, or situation that had previously abated.
Example: “The change in leadership rekindled optimism about the company’s future.”

Linda Brown