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
Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2025
Following the release of the documentary, Combs threatened legal action over the explosive footage your team acquired that showed him in the days leading up to his arrest.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 6 Dec. 2025
NPR, 28 Nov. 2025
Hand on the explosives trigger, Hopper makes his way down the hallway to the vault and again has flashes of Sarah.
—Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 27 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explosive
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.
Adjective
Their offense is efficient and explosive, scoring well above league average, while their defense has limited opponents to modest shooting and forced a high number of turnovers.
—Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2025
Following the release of the documentary, Combs threatened legal action over the explosive footage your team acquired that showed him in the days leading up to his arrest.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 6 Dec. 2025
Noun
In a statement, the Israeli military said the two men were wanted militants in the northern town of Jenin who had thrown explosives and opened fire at troops.
—NPR, 28 Nov. 2025
Hand on the explosives trigger, Hopper makes his way down the hallway to the vault and again has flashes of Sarah.
—Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 27 Nov. 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 7 Dec. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share