incendiary

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'incendiary' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is capable of causing a fire, or to describe something as being inflammatory or tending to stir up controversy. Example sentence: The incendiary speech only served to further inflame tensions between the two sides.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"When we spoke to the investigator he told us that it was an incendiary fire, which means that it was a suspected arson, that someone intentionally set the place aflame," Zahid said in a video message on the institute's Facebook page.

The Guardian

Incumbent governments are scared of this since immigration is one of the most incendiary topics in the national politics of so many countries.

The Guardian

Indeed, Labour considered adopting it when in power, but dropped it early in 2009 after siding with those in Whitehall who argued plans to widen the definition were "incendiary" and could alienate Muslims, whose support in the counterterrorism effort is crucial.

The Guardian - Opinion

And, using parliamentary privilege, the MP Caroline Lucas alleged that he planted an incendiary device in a branch of Debenhams while acting as an agent provocateur.

The Guardian - Opinion

The element of the French arts scene likely to be squeezed the fastest is also the most incendiary: France's special unemployment benefits for actors, performers, musicians and technicians.

The Guardian

These gestures come as Iran has been redefining its international image after years of incendiary anti-Israeli rhetoric from the Ahmadinejad administration.

The Guardian

After serving two and a half years in prison, Church is currently on parole after he and his co-defendants were found not guilty in 2014 of terrorism-related offenses but guilty of lesser charges of possessing an incendiary device and the misdemeanor of "mob action".

The Guardian

The report could prove incendiary, but without a public notice advertising the Bank's research project, parliament and the public would be unable to demand its publication.

The Guardian - Business

As Prof. Darren Sherkat notes "... there should be reflection about a conservative scholar garnering a very large grant from exceptionally conservative foundations to make incendiary arguments about the worthiness of LGBT parents".

The Guardian

Many of those released from these prisons – and indeed, several senior American officers who ran detention operations – have admitted that the prisons had an incendiary effect on the insurgency.

The Guardian

9 15PM It's the second day of a two-night stint at London's Scala, and the band are champing at the bit after spending the day at Radio 1, where they recorded an incendiary version of Skepta's Shutdown.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sensitive topics, consider the impact of using "incendiary" language. While it can effectively convey intensity, be mindful of potentially escalating tensions unnecessarily.

Common error

Avoid confusing "incendiary", which describes something that causes fire or strong emotions, with "incensed", which describes someone who is extremely angry. Using one in place of the other can significantly alter the meaning of your sentence.

Linguistic Context

The word "incendiary" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something that causes fire or strong emotions. Ludwig AI indicates its proper use, with examples showing both literal and figurative applications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "incendiary" is a versatile word, primarily functioning as an adjective, used to describe something that either causes fire or provokes strong emotions. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across varied contexts. Its prevalence in news and media highlights its role in describing contentious topics, while its presence in business and formal settings indicates broader applicability. While the word itself is neutral, it is crucial to consider the potentially heightened emotional impact of its use, particularly in sensitive discussions. Alternatives like "inflammatory" or "provocative" can offer less aggressive options. Avoiding confusion with "incensed" is also important for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inflammatory

Focuses on the quality of causing anger or excitement.

provocative

Emphasizes the intention to evoke a reaction.

fiery

Relates to intense emotion or passion.

combustible

Highlights the ability to catch fire easily.

explosive

Suggests a sudden and violent outburst.

seditious

Focuses on inciting rebellion against authority.

rabble-rousing

Describes stirring up the masses, often negatively.

incitive

Implies a motivation to cause action.

agitational

Related to promoting political unrest or agitation.

fomenting

Implies actively stirring up trouble or discord.

FAQs

How is "incendiary" used in a sentence?

The word "incendiary" can be used to describe something that causes fire, like an incendiary bomb. It can also be used figuratively to describe something that causes strong feelings, such as an "incendiary remark".

What's a less aggressive synonym for "incendiary"?

Depending on the context, you could use words like "inflammatory", "provocative", or "stimulating" as less aggressive synonyms for "incendiary".

Is it correct to use "incendiary" to describe a person?

Yes, it's acceptable to use "incendiary" to describe a person who intentionally stirs up conflict or strong emotions. However, consider the connotations, as it can be seen as critical. Other alternatives could be "agitator", "provocateur", or "rabble-rouser".

What is the difference between "incendiary" and "inflammatory"?

"Incendiary" implies something that can ignite or provoke strong reactions, potentially leading to conflict or destruction. "Inflammatory" also describes something that provokes strong reactions, particularly anger, but may not necessarily imply the same level of destructive potential as "incendiary".