EXPLOSIVE Synonyms: 124 Similar and Opposite Words

explosive 1 of 2

adjective

ik-ˈsplō-siv

Definition of explosive

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

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

explosive

2 of 2

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of explosive

Adjective

Jets of dust were expelled from the nucleus with explosive intensity. — Joe Rao, Space.com, 13 Oct. 2026 Traoré’s explosive first step gives defenders a reason to back off. — C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 13 Oct. 2026

Noun

Officials said the explosive failed to detonate because of a faulty detonator. — Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026 As bomb technicians struggled to disarm the explosive, the FBI raced against the clock to deliver the ransom while simultaneously hunting the extortionists. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for explosive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for explosive

Adjective

Pike committed the crime over an intense romantic jealousy of Slemmer, who allegedly attempted to steal her boyfriend’s attention.

— David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 13 Oct. 2026
Carnegie Hall seats well over 3,000 people, but this intense, no-frills performance film gives life to the old saying about feeling alone in a crowd.

— Damon Wise, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of intense

Adjective

That, in turn, reveals a family history of violent gravitational instability caused by events like giant collisions and planetary ejections.

— Robert Lea, Space.com, 14 Oct. 2026
The show, which can certainly be tense, spends more time on being funny than violent.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of violent

Noun

Three children were among those killed when Russian aerial bombs hit residential buildings in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine’s State Emergency Service said Saturday.

— Matthew Daly, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026
Months of American and Israeli bombs have damaged the country’s industries and infrastructure, spiking unemployment and pushing more Iranians into poverty.

— Narges Bajoghli, Foreign Affairs, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of bomb

Adjective

Atrium is also offering day hospital programs in which patients receive intensive treatment and return home at night.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026
Because schools would otherwise use that money to buy equipment, the proposal would most affect two-year technical schools with equipment-intensive programs like welding or automotive programs.

— CBS News, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of intensive

Adjective

In the Atlantic, not a single hurricane has formed yet, a record for this late into hurricane season, due to ferocious wind shear brought on by El Niño.

— Sean Macaday, Sacbee.com, 5 Oct. 2026
When the Heat acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo in June, the natural instinct was to focus on the prodigious point production (57th all time), the volume rebounding (71st all time), the thunderous dunks and the ferocious forays to the basket.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of ferocious

Adjective

In the aftermath of City being found guilty of a raft of financial breaches another fierce welcome was expected.

— ABC News, ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026
Her fierce survival instincts see her turn the tables on them, transforming their hunt into her own cat-and-mouse game.

— Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of fierce

Adjective

In an early scene, Misty is jolted awake by the man’s furious widow, Celine (Amy Landecker), who has just discovered the apartment on her husband’s ledgers and is intent on kicking out his mistress.

— Justin Chang, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026
The fourth disc has the Attractions playing these songs live, after the album was out, in increasingly furious fashion.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of furious

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“Explosive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explosive. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of explosive

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

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