explosive

¹ex·plo·sive

adj \ik-ˈsplō-siv, -ziv\

Definition of EXPLOSIVE

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 ghetto situation>

— ex·plo·sive·ly adverb

— ex·plo·sive·ness noun

Examples of EXPLOSIVE

1. He has an explosive temper.
2. <there's been an explosive interest in the sport since the Olympics>

First Known Use of EXPLOSIVE

1667

Related to EXPLOSIVE

Synonyms: acute, almighty, blistering, deep, dreadful, excruciating, intense, exquisite, fearful, fearsome, ferocious, fierce, frightful, furious, ghastly, hard, heavy, heavy-duty, hellacious, intensive, keen, profound, terrible, vehement, vicious, violent

Antonyms: light, moderate, soft

Related Words: accentuated, aggravated, concentrated, deepened; emphasized, enhanced, heightened, intensified, magnified; stressed; exhaustive, thorough; harsh, rigorous, severe

Near Antonyms: feeble, weak; shallow, superficial; moderated, qualified; alleviated, eased, lightened, toned (down); abated, decreased, diminished, lessened, reduced, subdued

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with EXPLOSIVE

corrosive, erosive, implosive