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
Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 9 June 2026
Its persistent activity and explosive potential earn it a place among the world’s most dangerous volcanoes.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 9 June 2026
Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 June 2026
Authorities discovered a motorcycle rigged with explosives and a car modified to hold explosives, security and judicial officials said.
—ABC News, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for explosive
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Adjective
The explosive growth is partially because the secondhand market represents a win-win for buyers and sellers, according to Jay.
—Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 9 June 2026
Its persistent activity and explosive potential earn it a place among the world’s most dangerous volcanoes.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 9 June 2026
Noun
In a sentencing memorandum in the federal case, a defense attorney said Rhone was born in Houston to a man who fathered 27 children with at least three wives while working as an explosives expert building railroads.
—Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 June 2026
Authorities discovered a motorcycle rigged with explosives and a car modified to hold explosives, security and judicial officials said.
—ABC News, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for explosive
Cite this Entry
“Explosive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/explosive. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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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