1
as in intense
extreme in degree, power, or effect
there's been an explosive interest in the sport since the Olympics
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in violent
marked by bursts of destructive force or intense activity
one of the most explosive storms to hit that area of the coast in some time
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of explosive
Okla Jones, Essence, 4 Nov. 2024
Another photo included in the complaint shows a masked person prosecutors said is Philippi, along with two FBI undercover agents, showing off the pipe bombs and an explosive device.
—Alexander Mallin, ABC News, 4 Nov. 2024
Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 27 Oct. 2024
The state agency's fire and explosives section will determine the origin and cause of the fire.
—Grant Lancaster, arkansasonline.com, 26 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for explosive 
Adjective
Fans will be treated to a riveting double-episode premiere, setting the tone for what promises to be the most explosive season yet, with new episodes rolling out every week.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 4 Nov. 2024
Another photo included in the complaint shows a masked person prosecutors said is Philippi, along with two FBI undercover agents, showing off the pipe bombs and an explosive device.
—Alexander Mallin, ABC News, 4 Nov. 2024
Noun
Instead, they get hemmed in and end up stuck in the car like ducks, saved only by an inspired move from Daryl: shooting up a couple walkers with extra super-serum, turning them into walking explosives to disable the other walkers.
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 27 Oct. 2024
The state agency's fire and explosives section will determine the origin and cause of the fire.
—Grant Lancaster, arkansasonline.com, 26 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for explosive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explosive
Adjective
-
The vote came amid a moment of intense political debate about inflation.Grant Stringer, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024
-
There are only two episodes until the Dancing With the Stars finale, and the competition is more intense than ever after nearly every couple earned a 10 last week.Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
-
Breslin ran on a platform focused on reducing violent crime and reducing incarceration for nonviolent offenders with substance abuse and mental health issues.Sam Tabachnik, The Denver Post, 5 Nov. 2024
-
Expect more videos aimed at further upsetting supporters of a losing candidate and designed to incite violent protests, officials have said.Sam Sabin, Axios, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
Before the eruption, which lasted for more than 24 hours and had the power of thousands of nuclear bombs, Mount Vesuvius had been mostly dormant for centuries.Hannah Peart, NBC News, 8 Nov. 2024
-
Over the past week, the Russian Federation has launched a significant assault on Ukraine, deploying 900 glide bombs, 500 Shahed drones, and 30 missiles.Katya Soldak, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
-
Tester feedback: Allure commerce writer Jennifer Hussein says this finishing spray is a staple in her routine for its weightless feel and intensive oil control.Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 4 Nov. 2024
-
Beyond traditional panels, the conference offers intensive masterclasses in authentic storytelling and a hands-on hackathon where participants tackle real-world DEI challenges.Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 3 Nov. 2024
Adjective
-
Tiger Adventure Vehicles View 17 Images As ferocious and unstoppable as its namesake, the all-new Panthera overland motorhome is designed to push the boundaries of RVing well beyond glamping resorts and National Park campgrounds.New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Nov. 2024
-
Newspeak, in 1984, destroys with the same ferocious efficiency that tanks and bombs do.Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 31 Oct. 2024
Noun
-
Most also carry lightweight weapons, such as depth charges and torpedoes, but generally other platforms are used to attack submarines.Reuters, NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024
-
This is a function of the inherent difficulty of defending against incoming ballistic missiles traveling at several times the speed of sound, not to mention dealing with stealthy cruise missiles and underwater torpedoes.Elbridge Colby, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2018
Adjective
-
Competition is fierce:Phoenix progressives want their City Council seat back Who is running for Phoenix District 5? Maryvale-area residents will choose between incumbent Councilwoman Betty Guardado and challenger JJ Martinez in District 5.Taylor Seely, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
-
The track's tight configuration and storied history contribute to its reputation for fierce racing and frequent incidents.David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
-
In the recent Saturday Night movie, which mythologizes the series’ turbulent birth, Gabrielle LaBelle (playing a young Michaels) gives a speech about how SNL should feel like a wild night out in the city, all jazz and revelry.Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 11 Nov. 2024
-
In these turbulent times, the role of states in safeguarding fundamental rights has never been more crucial.Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near explosive
Cite this Entry
“Explosive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explosive. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share