1
as in to detonate
to break open or into pieces usually because of internal pressure
the building was wrecked when a powerful bomb exploded
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to shatter
to cause to break open or into pieces by or as if by an explosive
the bomb was so powerful that it exploded windows in several neighboring buildings
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to erupt
to develop suddenly and violently
the mayor's latest unpopular decision caused long-suppressed resentment to explode into open anger
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of explode
That timeline may need an adjustment after his monster Starship rocket exploded last week.
—
Andrew Torgan, CNN Money, 22 June 2025
Shortly after, a booster appeared to explode, leading to a complete loss of control.
—Sara Webb, Space.com, 22 June 2025
The nuclear fuel enrichment site at Fordo is buried deep beneath a mountain, and the attack against it used bunker-buster bombs designed to penetrate the ground before exploding, a U.S. official said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss military operations.
—Elena Becatoros, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2025
After dealing for George Pickens with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Bryant thinks the Cowboys’ offense can explode this year.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for explode
Andrew Torgan, CNN Money, 22 June 2025
Shortly after, a booster appeared to explode, leading to a complete loss of control.
—Sara Webb, Space.com, 22 June 2025
The nuclear fuel enrichment site at Fordo is buried deep beneath a mountain, and the attack against it used bunker-buster bombs designed to penetrate the ground before exploding, a U.S. official said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss military operations.
—Elena Becatoros, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2025
After dealing for George Pickens with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Bryant thinks the Cowboys’ offense can explode this year.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for explode
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explode
Verb
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Bottom sea mines are placed on the seabed and designed to detonate when a ship passes nearby.—
Amira El-Fekki,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 June 2025
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The defenseless shark is detonated to bits and everyone cheers.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
People.com,
20 June 2025
Verb
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In the meantime, Aimee Gutierrez, Saint’s owner, and her family have been shattered by the loss and the deaths of the other dogs.—
Sean Emery,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 June 2025
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These moves have shattered walls that have long kept data within the agencies that collect it.—
Julia Shapero,
The Hill,
25 June 2025
Verb
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More recently, the Ranch fire and the Henderson fire blazed across hundreds of acres, while the Lake fire erupted around 4 p.m. Pacific time on Saturday at the Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area in San Bernardino County and spread to 478 acres over the subsequent five hours.—
Chloe Mayer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 June 2025
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The world’s hottest soccer team, Paris Saint-Germain buried Inter Miami by the break, scoring in the sixth minute and erupting for three more goals within a six-minute span.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 June 2025
Verb
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The beverage industry has truly popped its lid on transformation over the last decade, moving from a space dominated by legacy players like Coca-Cola and Pepsi to one where new entrants are reshaping what consumers’ taste buds expect from their thirst-quenchers.—
Alexander Puutio,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
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This uptick helps explain why monthly sales of the pouches more than tripled between 2021 and 2024, even as usage in adults remains low—under 3% report ever popping one in, though that number is higher among folks who currently smoke (11%) or once did (7%).—
Erica Sloan,
SELF,
1 July 2025
Verb
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On June 21, Mitchell, South Dakota, broke its daily high temperatures record at 104 degrees, smashing its previous record of 101 degrees.—
Doyle Rice,
USA Today,
24 June 2025
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Numerous other boats were damaged that day as the powerful thunderstorm churned up waves and sent boats smashing into each other and the marina, according to KCRA-TV.—
Theresa Braine,
New York Daily News,
23 June 2025
Verb
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That connection and warmth was obvious on Friday night, with Cardi blowing past her bedtime to give the gays, the dolls and everyone else an experience beyond what any other NYC festival provides.—
Joe Lynch,
Billboard,
28 June 2025
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Experts recommend placing window fans blowing air into your home on the coolest side of your house.—
John Tufts,
USA Today,
27 June 2025
Verb
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Hegseth touted Caine's explanation as proof the bombs fully demolished Fordow.—
Cybele Mayes-Osterman,
USA Today,
27 June 2025
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The more than 115-year-old Advocate Trinity building on the Southeast Side of Chicago, on 93rd Street, will continue to serve patients until the new hospital is ready, at which point it will be demolished.—
Lisa Schencker,
Chicago Tribune,
24 June 2025
Verb
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The actor and writer burst onto the scene at only 17 years old when director Michael Mayer found him and cast him as Ernst in the off-Broadway production of Spring Awakening, a role Glick reprised in the hit Broadway production.—
Maureen Lee Lenker Published,
EW.com,
30 June 2025
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The Cow burst onto the scene as an indictment of the rural poverty in which millions of Iranians lived.—
Tiara Ataii,
Vulture,
24 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Explode.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explode. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.
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