Synonyms of explode

explode

verb

ik-ˈsplōd 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• detonate
• blow
• pop
• burst
• go off
• blow up
• shatter
• crump
• smash
• fragment
• fire
• splinter
• shoot
• discharge
• balloon
• mushroom
• burgeon

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• implode
• collapse
• fizzle

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• shatter
• smash
• demolish
• blow
• burst
• destroy
• pop
• blast
• detonate
• blow up
• annihilate
• dynamite
• ruin
• wreck
• decimate
• fragment
• discharge
• splinter

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• collapse
• implode

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• erupt
• burst (forth)
• break out
• flare (up)
• flame
• swell
• blaze (up)
• skyrocket
• detonate
• rocket
• proliferate
• mount
• multiply
• snowball
• wax
• mushroom
• balloon
• touch off
• blow up
• burgeon

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of explode

Prediction markets have exploded in popularity over the past year, creating a scramble to figure out how to regulate them. —Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 10 June 2026

In recent years, wildlife experts say that people who have fed them junk food and provided an abundant supply of food have caused their population to explode. —Nicole Comstock, CBS News, 9 June 2026

Those plans went up in flames when the rocket exploded on its launch pad in Florida on May 28. —Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 9 June 2026

However, in May 2026 a New Glenn rocket exploded during a test and severely damaged Blue Origin’s launchpad, casting doubt on whether Blue Origin would be ready for Artemis III. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 June 2026