ex·plo·sive
ik-ˈsplō-siv 
-ziv
1
a
: relating to, characterized by, or operated by explosion
an explosive hatch
b
: resulting from or as if from an explosion
explosive population growth
2
a
: tending to explode
an explosive person
b
: likely to erupt in or produce hostile reaction or violence
an explosive situation
explosively
adverb
explosiveness
noun
Examples of explosive in a Sentence
Adjective
He has an explosive temper.
there's been an explosive interest in the sport since the Olympics
Recent Examples on the Web
Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025
As pickleball continues its explosive growth, clubs across the country are racing to build new courts.
—Scott Miller, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 28 Aug. 2025
Tillman had faced state felony counts for arson, vandalism and possessing explosives.
—Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explosive
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Adjective
John Cena returned as Chris Smith, aka Peacemaker, in Season 2 of the series of the same name, with a premiere that was fun, yet explosive, and set the stage for what is to come.
—Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025
As pickleball continues its explosive growth, clubs across the country are racing to build new courts.
—Scott Miller, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Noun
The following items are prohibited: Weapons including but not limited to: knives, explosives, stun guns, handcuffs, brass knuckles, sticks, clubs, batons, martial arts instruments, pepper spray, tear gas, etc.
—Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 28 Aug. 2025
Tillman had faced state felony counts for arson, vandalism and possessing explosives.
—Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explosive
Cite this Entry
“Explosive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/explosive. Accessed 1 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
explosive
1 of 2 adjective
ex·plo·sive
ik-ˈsplō-siv
-ziv
1
: able to cause explosion
the explosive power of gunpowder
2
: likely to explode
an explosive temper
explosively
adverb
explosiveness
noun
explosive
2 of 2 noun
: an explosive substance
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