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Definitions

fan the flames

VERB
exacerbate
Synonyms
STRONGEST
aggravate annoy heighten inflame intensify irritate provoke worsen
STRONG
embitter enrage envenom exasperate excite increase madden vex
WEAK
add insult to injury egg on feed the fire go from bad to worse heat up hit on push one's button rattle one's cage rub salt in a wound
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aid alleviate appease calm delight help improve make happy please soothe
STRONG
comfort compose pacify placate
VERB
foment
Synonyms
STRONGEST
abet arouse brew incite whip up
STRONG
agitate cultivate encourage excite foster goad nurse nurture promote quicken raise set spur start stimulate
WEAK
set on sow the seeds stir up
Antonyms
STRONGEST
deter discourage
STRONG
calm conclude condemn depress destroy dissuade end finish ignore lull neglect quiet repress stop tranquilize
WEAK
cease dampen
VERB
make worse
Synonyms
WEAK
add insult to injury aggravate exacerbate intensify irritate rub salt into the wound twist the knife in the wound worsen

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

While urging restraint, Cepeda called on his rival not to fan the flames.

From Barron's ● Jun. 22, 2026

Others worry capping withdrawals will upset investors and fan the flames, so they paid out as much as 15%.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 27, 2026

“The problem ... is that you can fan the flames of hatred,” Hall said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 6, 2023

"Wildfire seasons have expanded, and fires have increased in frequency and size, especially in the western United States. More frequent and intense hurricanes fan the flames of wildfires."

From Salon ● Aug. 11, 2023

He knew it would just fan the flames.

From "X: A Novel" by Ilyasah Shabazz

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