explosive

1 of 2

adjective

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

explosive

2 of 2

noun

1

: an explosive substance

2

: a consonant characterized by explosion in its articulation when it occurs in certain environments : stop

Synonyms of explosive

Adjective

• intense
• intensive
• ferocious
• fierce
• deep
• terrible
• violent
• heavy
• furious

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

Adjective

Prediction markets have experienced explosive growth, with monthly trading volume soaring to $24 billion, significantly surpassing sports betting. — Nathan Goldman, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

With the fireworks revving for the holiday weekend, why not add some explosive savings to the mix with amazing deals on furniture? — Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 1 July 2026

Noun

Prosecutors say Samuel Machado used his badge to stay one step ahead of the law, claiming more than 11 million pounds of explosives were moved through the Esparto property over the last decade. — Madisen Keavy, CBS News, 2 July 2026

Chee faces 20 felony charges, including seven counts of murder, insurance fraud and multiple counts involving the possession, transportation or conspiracy to possess or transport explosives. — Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1696, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1773, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing explosive

• high explosive
• plastic explosive

Rhymes for explosive

• corrosive
• erosive
• noncorrosive
• plosive

Kids 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