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
Christopher Cann, USA Today, 17 June 2026
Investigators said Eskridge and Thomas encouraged members of the group to pitch in to raise $1,300 to purchase the drones and explosive charges intended for the operation.
—Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 17 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
Federal authorities arrested multiple people in connection with an alleged plot to target the Ultimate Fighting Championship event at the White House, thwarting an attack that court documents say would have involved drones, explosive devices and multiple gunmen.
—Christopher Cann, USA Today, 17 June 2026
Investigators said Eskridge and Thomas encouraged members of the group to pitch in to raise $1,300 to purchase the drones and explosive charges intended for the operation.
—Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 17 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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