Synonyms of explosive

explosive 1 of 2

adjective

ik-ˈsplō-siv 

1

as in intense

extreme in degree, power, or effect

there's been an explosive interest in the sport since the Olympics

Synonyms & Similar Words

• intense
• intensive
• ferocious
• fierce
• deep
• terrible
• violent
• heavy
• furious
• profound
• acute
• vicious
• blistering
• exquisite
• fearful
• fearsome
• dreadful
• vehement
• ghastly
• frightful
• excruciating
• heavy-duty
• hard
• intensified
• keen
• hellacious
• heightened
• almighty
• concentrated
• aggravated
• harsh
• enhanced
• severe
• exhaustive
• magnified
• thorough
• stressed
• accentuated
• deepened
• rigorous
• emphasized

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• light
• moderate
• soft
• weak
• feeble
• superficial
• shallow
• qualified
• decreased
• moderated
• toned (down)
• eased
• subdued
• reduced
• diminished
• lightened
• lessened
• alleviated
• abated

2

as in violent

marked by bursts of destructive force or intense activity

one of the most explosive storms to hit that area of the coast in some time

Synonyms & Similar Words

• violent
• ferocious
• fierce
• furious
• turbulent
• volcanic
• rabid
• rough
• vicious
• hot
• brutal
• convulsive
• tumultuous
• cyclonic
• paroxysmal
• aggressive
• volatile
• tempestuous
• stormy
• blood-and-guts
• bang-bang
• savage
• hammer-and-tongs
• destructive
• knock-down, drag-out
• hostile
• combustible
• contentious
• antagonistic
• frantic
• combative
• barbarous
• belligerent
• pugnacious
• bellicose
• mad
• assertive
• frenzied
• gladiatorial
• truculent
• agitated
• quarrelsome
• ruinous
• cataclysmal

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• peaceful
• nonviolent
• peaceable
• calm
• serene
• tranquil
• pacific
• halcyon
• unaggressive
• nonbelligerent

explosive

2 of 2

noun

as in bomb

Related Words

• bomb
• torpedo
• hazard
• snare
• pitfall
• trap
• web
• claymore mine
• land mine
• ambush
• mine
• net
• booby trap

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of explosive

Adjective

Confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis, the parasitic infection known for causing explosive diarrhea, have surpassed 17,000. — Jane Onyanga-Omara, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026

European security officials officials said an explosive drone found at Leipzig/Halle airport in Germany fits a pattern of likely Russian aggression across Europe. — Catherine Belton, Washington Post, 26 Aug. 2026

Noun

Washington rewrites its wildfire rules In Spokane, dry conditions and extreme weather set the stage for the explosive wildfires in August. — Lauren Sommer, NPR, 17 Aug. 2026

The first drone seemingly detonated after crashing onto the gas tanks of La Negra Francisca, the crew recounted, while the second appears to have dropped an explosive. — Michael Rios, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026