ex·plo·sive
ik-ˈsplō-siv 
-ziv
1
a
: relating to, characterized by, or operated by explosion
an explosive hatch
b
: resulting from or as if from an explosion
explosive population growth
2
a
: tending to explode
an explosive person
b
: likely to erupt in or produce hostile reaction or violence
an explosive situation
explosively
adverb
explosiveness
noun
Examples of explosive in a Sentence
Adjective
He has an explosive temper.
there's been an explosive interest in the sport since the Olympics
Recent Examples on the Web
Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
After nine intense episodes of watching the Maguire doctors battle leadership shakeups, life-or-death emergencies and an actual hurricane, the finale is just as explosive.
—Emily Blackwood, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Eric Schmitt, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
While Barco was on patrol in November with his platoon, a car laden with explosives swerved and went airborne, erupting in flames.
—Quil Lawrence, NPR, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explosive
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Adjective
Blue Owl has been downright explosive over the past half-decade or so, driving its top line from around $190 million in 2019 to $2.3 billion last year.
—Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
After nine intense episodes of watching the Maguire doctors battle leadership shakeups, life-or-death emergencies and an actual hurricane, the finale is just as explosive.
—Emily Blackwood, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Noun
The glide bombs, which carry 200 pounds of explosives apiece, can be launched more than 70 nautical miles from their targets.
—Eric Schmitt, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
While Barco was on patrol in November with his platoon, a car laden with explosives swerved and went airborne, erupting in flames.
—Quil Lawrence, NPR, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explosive
Cite this Entry
“Explosive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/explosive. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
explosive
1 of 2 adjective
ex·plo·sive
ik-ˈsplō-siv
-ziv
1
: able to cause explosion
the explosive power of gunpowder
2
: likely to explode
an explosive temper
explosively
adverb
explosiveness
noun
explosive
2 of 2 noun
: an explosive substance
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