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
Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 17 Oct. 2025
The former top-100 recruit leads all freshman QBs with 41 explosive plays (16-yard passes or 12-yard runs) and has thrown 13 touchdown passes and only three interceptions.
—The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
In the first five months of the war, Israel dropped more than 25,000 tons of explosives on Gaza, which, the UN noted in a 2024 report, is equivalent to two nuclear bombs.
—Kara Fox, CNN Money, 19 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explosive
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Adjective
Through six weeks, Philadelphia’s front can’t produce a push and Saquon Barkley looks less than explosive.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 17 Oct. 2025
The former top-100 recruit leads all freshman QBs with 41 explosive plays (16-yard passes or 12-yard runs) and has thrown 13 touchdown passes and only three interceptions.
—The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
This makes the squat explosive, leading to greater stimulation and means Madrid’s players work their adductor muscles in their thighs.
—Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
In the first five months of the war, Israel dropped more than 25,000 tons of explosives on Gaza, which, the UN noted in a 2024 report, is equivalent to two nuclear bombs.
—Kara Fox, CNN Money, 19 Oct. 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 22 Oct. 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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