1
as in volcano
a potentially explosive place or situation
officials sought to calm the situation, which had grown into a tinderbox
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in crisis
a time or state of affairs requiring prompt or decisive action
while the country's prime minister was meeting with the U.S. president, a political tinderbox was igniting at home
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tinderbox
Destructive protests occasionally flare, leading some analysts to observe that Latin American politics remains a tinderbox.
—
Will Freeman, Foreign Affairs, 17 Oct. 2023
Current weather conditions — including a severe lack of rainfall this year in Los Angeles — have created a tinderbox in the region.
—Mia Sato, The Verge, 15 Jan. 2025
Climate whiplash, made worse by our actions, created a tinderbox.
—Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025
East County regularly is blasted by high winds and hot temperatures, conditions that dry out brush and can create a tinderbox waiting for a spark.
—Karen Kucher, The Mercury News, 6 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for tinderbox
Will Freeman, Foreign Affairs, 17 Oct. 2023
Current weather conditions — including a severe lack of rainfall this year in Los Angeles — have created a tinderbox in the region.
—Mia Sato, The Verge, 15 Jan. 2025
Climate whiplash, made worse by our actions, created a tinderbox.
—Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025
East County regularly is blasted by high winds and hot temperatures, conditions that dry out brush and can create a tinderbox waiting for a spark.
—Karen Kucher, The Mercury News, 6 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for tinderbox
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tinderbox
Noun
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Smith has also flown to the base of a volcano to facilitate a caribou hunt and was dropped off by floatplane onto a mountain lake for kayaking.—
Julia Boatman,
Robb Report,
12 Apr. 2025
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During his career, Marciano has covered nearly every major natural disaster experienced in the United States, including floods, tornadoes, blizzards, and erupting volcanos in Hawaii.—
Rob Marciano,
CBS News,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The biggest challenges facing Fort Worth include the hiring of a new police chief during a mental health crisis that law enforcement is failing to address effectively.—
Harrison Mantas,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Apr. 2025
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The team averted a crisis on beam, with junior Jordan Bowers delivering a stellar routine after a fall from the prior athlete.—
Caroline Price,
Forbes.com,
19 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Three in 5 Ecuadorians say their personal security and economic situations have not improved under Mr. Noboa’s short first term in office.—
Mie Hoejris Dahl,
Christian Science Monitor,
14 Apr. 2025
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Now, losing over 2,400 staff members will likely worsen the situation.—
Emese Maczko,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tinderbox.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tinderbox. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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