powder keg
noun
1
: a small usually metal cask for holding gunpowder or blasting powder
2
: something liable to explode
Examples of powder keg in a Sentence
Political instability has made the region a powder keg.
the immigration bill has become a political powder keg for legislators on both sides of the aisle
Recent Examples on the Web
By the time Canada skated against the United States in the group game in Montreal, the atmosphere was akin to a powder keg.
—
Don Riddell, CNN, 9 Mar. 2025
Her fluffy, frivolous style works well for Isla, who is a giggly pretty princess most of the time but a powder keg of anger when threatened.
—Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 28 Feb. 2025
That song is a powder keg, a dynamic storehouse of raw, undiluted energy.
—Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
Egypt is a regional lynchpin containing a potential powder keg of radical sentiment that if detonated would ricochet around the region, puncturing European and US interests.
—Nic Robertson, CNN, 5 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for powder keg
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Don Riddell, CNN, 9 Mar. 2025
Her fluffy, frivolous style works well for Isla, who is a giggly pretty princess most of the time but a powder keg of anger when threatened.
—Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 28 Feb. 2025
That song is a powder keg, a dynamic storehouse of raw, undiluted energy.
—Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
Egypt is a regional lynchpin containing a potential powder keg of radical sentiment that if detonated would ricochet around the region, puncturing European and US interests.
—Nic Robertson, CNN, 5 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for powder keg
Cite this Entry
“Powder keg.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/powder%20keg. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share