flammable
adjective
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Why Inflammable Is Not the Opposite of Flammable
Combustible and incombustible are opposites but flammable and inflammable are synonyms. Why? The in- of incombustible is a common prefix meaning "not," but the in- of inflammable is a different prefix. Inflammable comes from Latin inflammare ("to inflame"), itself from in- (here meaning "in" or "into") plus flammare ("to flame"). Flammable also comes from flammare. In the early 20th century, firefighters worried that people might think inflammable meant "not able to catch fire," so they adopted flammable and nonflammable as official safety labels and encouraged their use to prevent confusion. In general use, flammable is now the preferred term for describing things that can catch fire, but inflammable is still occasionally used with that meaning as well.
Synonyms
Examples of flammable in a Sentence
Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Nov. 2024
A number of western Hamilton County residents have filed lawsuits after the leak of a toxic and flammable chemical near Cleves that prompted an evacuation order affecting homes and businesses in the surrounding area.
—Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 1 Oct. 2024
This clear, flammable liquid has a distinct smell and taste.
—Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 16 Sep. 2024
Research shows that cost-effective projects to reduce flammable brush and build homes with fire-resistant materials can reduce the chances that a house will burn.
—Lauren Sommer, NPR, 17 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for flammable 
Dictionary Entries Near flammable
Cite this Entry
“Flammable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flammable. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.
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flammable
adjective
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