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
Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 13 Sep. 2025
Daniel Trombone developed a depth-perception system for explosive ordnance disposal robots while completing his electronics engineering technology degree at the University of Arkansas, Grantham, according to a US Air Force release published on September 2.
—Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 12 Sep. 2025
Arkansas Online, 14 Sep. 2025
Neighboring homes were evacuated during the search due to the explosives found.
—Riley Hoffman, ABC News, 14 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explosive
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Adjective
The danger the Dolphins pose on the ground is less about steady gains than the risk of an explosive run.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 13 Sep. 2025
Daniel Trombone developed a depth-perception system for explosive ordnance disposal robots while completing his electronics engineering technology degree at the University of Arkansas, Grantham, according to a US Air Force release published on September 2.
—Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
The United Kingdom also sanctioned 30 individuals and companies, included businesses based in China and Turkey, that have supplied Russia with electronics, chemicals, explosives and other weapons components.
—Arkansas Online, 14 Sep. 2025
Neighboring homes were evacuated during the search due to the explosives found.
—Riley Hoffman, ABC News, 14 Sep. 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 16 Sep. 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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