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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of explosive
Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 28 Apr. 2025
This explosive growth has understandably sparked a wave of interest among retail investors, many of whom are drawn to the promise of diversification and higher returns, especially after the volatility of traditional markets that occurred in 2022.
—Jonathan Foster, President and Ceo At Angeles Wealth Management, CNBC, 28 Apr. 2025
Toria Sheffield, People.com, 19 Apr. 2025
He was detained by police about an hour after making the threat in Palm Springs, but no weapons or explosives material was found on him or in his car.
—David Matthews, New York Daily News, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explosive
Adjective
She’s encountered her share of both real and contrived rivalries — par for the course for most pop stars — but never anything explosive enough to disrupt her unbothered aura of tranquility.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 28 Apr. 2025
This explosive growth has understandably sparked a wave of interest among retail investors, many of whom are drawn to the promise of diversification and higher returns, especially after the volatility of traditional markets that occurred in 2022.
—Jonathan Foster, President and Ceo At Angeles Wealth Management, CNBC, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
On April 19, 1995, a truck filled with explosives was parked outside the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma City.
—Toria Sheffield, People.com, 19 Apr. 2025
He was detained by police about an hour after making the threat in Palm Springs, but no weapons or explosives material was found on him or in his car.
—David Matthews, New York Daily News, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explosive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explosive
Adjective
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Whether singing a cappella or accompanied by her guitar to hundreds or thousands of people − at a small venue or an awards show − Lafourcade's performances feel visceral, intense and intimate all at once.—
Pamela Avila,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
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In place of intense (and potentially irritating) acids, Mediheal's Madecassoside Blemish Pads target breakouts and breakout-causing bacteria with anti-inflammatory powerhouses madecassoside and cica.—
Sarah Han,
Allure,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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However, the Salvadoran national was living in the U.S. illegally and is suspected of being a member of the notoriously violent gang MS-13.—
Rachel Wolf,
FOXNews.com,
2 May 2025
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The strikes were marked by bloodshed as clashes between protesters and police grew violent.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
2 May 2025
Noun
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The team also located at least three planes aboard the vessel, including a Douglas SBD Dauntless that still had a bomb attached to it.—
Sarah Kuta,
Smithsonian Magazine,
23 Apr. 2025
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One of the co-founders of ICAN, Wright adds that Pope Francis’ role as a virtual patron saint of the movement to ban nuclear bombs should be recognized into the future with a special kind of homage.—
Kevin Holden Platt,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Historically, Google has had a less intensive quality control processes than Apple which has meant more low-end apps make it through to the storefront.—
James Peckham,
PC Magazine,
30 Apr. 2025
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For now, these lands could be converted to intensive residential, commercial or industrial development.—
Reed Frederick Noss,
The Conversation,
29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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This ferocious, steep-banked corner possesses a wild 24% gradient, a nod to Spain’s bullfighting heritage.—
Kanzah Maktoum,
Forbes.com,
27 Apr. 2025
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But this team was special, with a watertight defence combined with a ferocious forward line of Ronaldo (his best goalscoring season for United), Rooney and Tevez.—
Nick Miller,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2025
Noun
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This is the ballpark where the torpedo bats originally cracked and echoed, and New York starts Friday with gaudy offensive numbers (second in runs per game and on-base percentage, tied with the Dodgers for most homers).—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2025
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Some said the torpedo bats should be banned, and others denounced the Yankees for breaking the rules.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Melania Trump has courted controversy, garnered attention for her fashion Trump's fashion choices are the subject of fierce controversy and constant attention.—
Jay Stahl,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2025
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Orlando City and Atlanta United will meet on Saturday in a fierce rivalry MLS matchup, a game soccer fans in the U.S. won't want to miss.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Which brings me to another important lesson from turbulent times: market timing (still) does not work.—
Jill Schlesinger,
Mercury News,
28 Apr. 2025
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That might be the ultimate takeaway for leaders navigating turbulent times.—
Karl Moore,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Explosive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explosive. Accessed 8 May. 2025.
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