explosive

adjective

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ex·plo·sive | \ ik-ˈsplō-siv

, -ziv \

Definition of explosive

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : relating to, characterized by, or operated by explosion an explosive hatch

b : resulting from or as if from an explosion explosive population growth

2a : tending to explode an explosive person

b : likely to erupt in or produce hostile reaction or violence an explosive situation

explosive

noun

Definition of explosive (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : an explosive substance

2 : a consonant characterized by explosion in its articulation when it occurs in certain environments : stop

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Other Words from explosive Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Phrases Containing explosive Learn More About explosive

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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: Adjective During the first month of the war, Ukraine’s environment ministry calculated 79,169 explosive devices had gone off, 1,955 aircraft bombs had been dropped, and 567.4 kgs of explosives were neutralized in Ukraine. — Anna Conkling, Rolling Stone, 10 May 2022 The bomb squad conducted a sweep of the bank and other businesses and found no evidence of explosive devices, police said. — Jesse Leavenworth, Hartford Courant, 9 May 2022 Ukraine’s foreign ministry tweeted last weekend that Patron helped pyrotechnics in Chernihiv clear over 260 explosive devices. — Lawrence Richard, Fox News, 9 May 2022 The bomb-sniffing dog received state honors at a ceremony in Kyiv for his wartime efforts of finding more than 200 explosive devices after being taught by his owner, Mykhailo Iliev of the Civil Protection Service. — Scott Gleeson, USA TODAY, 9 May 2022 The news outlet added that since the invasion of Ukraine started, Patron has helped neutralize over 90 explosive devices. — Nicholas Rice, PEOPLE.com, 9 May 2022 Some were found innocent of lesser counts involving possession of explosive devices and guns. — Washington Post, 7 May 2022 Deputies seized explosive devices, bomb-making materials, a preparation station, rifles, handguns and ammunition, authorities said. — Gary Warth, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2022 More than 80,000 explosive devices have been found across Ukraine since the war began. — ABC News, 1 May 2022 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun But the Chronicle never would have run a story this explosive without intense internal debate and scrutiny of the not-for-attribution sourcing. — Walter Shapiro, The New Republic, 15 Apr. 2022 According to evidence, a homemade explosive was detonated during training in September 2020, about a month before the men were arrested. — John Flesher And Ed White, Anchorage Daily News, 8 Apr. 2022 According to evidence, a homemade explosive was detonated during training in September 2020, about a month before the men were arrested. — NBC News, 8 Apr. 2022 The message reminded viewers of the homemade explosive’s history in another seeming mismatch with Russian forces: It was invented by Finns to help fend off a Soviet invasion in the first months of World War II. — Washington Post, 25 Feb. 2022 The offensive explosive backed another solid outing from South Alabama starter Miles Smith, who allowed two runs on five hits with seven strikeouts and two walks in six innings. — Creg Stephenson | Cstephenson@al.com, al, 18 Mar. 2022 The explosive hit the soccer field near a school in the Azov Sea city. — Time, 4 Mar. 2022 The explosive hit the soccer field near a school in the Azov Sea city. — Mstyslav Chernov, ajc, 4 Mar. 2022 Even the explosive plays the Colts ran ended up stymied by Seattle’s defense. — Joel A. Erickson, The Indianapolis Star, 16 Sep. 2021 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'explosive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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