Find Synonyms

flare Synonyms

Another word for flare

Choosing another word for flare depends on context, so the 30 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 6 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• noun (Context 1)

A sudden brief burst of bright flame or light, often used as a distress signal or to provide illumination.

Usage Example

"The lost hikers fired a distress flash into the night sky to guide the rescue helicopter."

Strongest
flash
Strong
blaze
glare
flame
torch
beacon

• verb (Context 2)

To erupt or intensify abruptly (especially regarding emotions, temper, or violence).

Usage Example

"Tempers flared during the long and highly contested city council meeting."

Strongest
flare up
erupt
explode
Strong
ignite
escalate
intensify
break out

• verb (Context 3)

To burn with a sudden, unsteady, or intense flame.

Usage Example

"The dying campfire flared suddenly when the dry pine needles caught alight."

Strongest
blaze
flame
Strong
flash
flicker
glare
burst

• noun (Context 4)

A gradual widening or outward curve in shape, particularly at the bottom of a garment or tubular object.

Usage Example

"The vintage trousers featured a dramatic widening starting just below the knee."

Strong
widening
spread
splay
sweep

• noun (Context 5)

A sudden exacerbation of a medical condition or an unexpected worsening of symptoms.

Usage Example

"She had to adjust her medication and rest after experiencing a painful arthritis flare-up."

Strongest
flare-up
exacerbation
Strong
relapse
attack
bout
outbreak
recurrence

• verb (Context 6)

To gradually widen outward in shape.

Usage Example

"The elegant skirt is fitted tightly at the waist and flares out gracefully towards the hem."

Strongest
widen
Strong
bell
splay
fan out
spread
broaden

Opposites of flare

The opposite of flare shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

taper
remission
subside
narrow
die down
go out
narrowing
abate
See all opposites of flare

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Flare. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/flare
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