to spark heated debate

Examples

• All

• Consequently, the Fay affair sparked heated public debate in the form of editorials, political cartoons, and appeals by humanitarian groups, such as Amnesty International and Physicians for Human Rights.

  Academic text (2003)

• As mentioned above, The Day After Tomorrow sparked a heated debate about the science and politics of global warming.

  Academic text (2004)

• The protests sparked a heated internal debate.

  Academic text (2018)

• After Tomorrow sparked a heated national debate about the scientific accuracy and political implications of the film and the broader issue of global warming.

  Academic text (2004)

• The term has sparked heated debate in the town and prompted the Chapel Hill Town Council to pass an ordinance in February regulating towing companies.

  Blog text (9)

• The recent policy changes have sparked a heated debate among educators about the future of the school system.

• The documentary has sparked heated debates about climate change and its impact on the environment.

• The controversial article sparked a heated debate on social media, with many users sharing their opinions.

Synonyms

S

to stir up

vsto spark heated debate

48 4.8

To make people feel strong emotions like anger or fear

may provoke debate but is less tied to starting intense public arguments

S

to stir the pot

vsto spark heated debate

• Informal

8 8.0

To cause trouble by saying things to make people argue

can do the same but is not always intentional or provocative

F

to fan the flames

vsto spark heated debate

• Informal

8 7.2

To make an argument or feeling worse by encouraging it

usually initiates intense arguments rather than only intensifying them

C

to cause a stir

vsto spark heated debate

6 4.0

Make people feel excited or upset and attract attention

specifically aims at triggering strong argumentative discussion rather than mere attention

S

to spark debate

vsto spark heated debate

2 3.7

To make people start talking and disagree about a topic

focuses on starting intense arguments about controversial issues

S

to spark a debate

vsto spark heated debate

1 3.7

To cause people to start a strong, lively discussion

is about provoking strong arguments especially on controversial topics

S

to spark a firestorm

vsto spark heated debate

1 7.0

To cause many people to show strong public anger or criticism

acts similarly but centers on heated argument rather than broad outrage

D

to detonate controversy

vsto spark heated debate

8.1

To cause a strong public argument that divides people

is narrower, emphasizing provoking heated argument rather than general conflict

O

to open a hornets' nest

vsto spark heated debate

• Informal

7.7

To cause a lot of trouble and anger among people

focuses more on provoking intense arguments rather than general trouble

S

to stir up drama

vsto spark heated debate

• Informal

7.0

To cause trouble between people to get attention

can spark strong arguments but is more about creating needless drama

C

to create friction

vsto spark heated debate

4.6

To cause disagreement between people or groups

focuses particularly on provoking heated public argument rather than general tension

Antonyms

S

to settle

596 3.3

To end an argument by agreement or decision

How Heated

to spark outrage

4 5.8

to spark heated debate

1 5.4

to spark debate

2 3.7

to raise

∞ 3.2

Surface Forms

Morphology

Etymology