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
Synonyms
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
Sam Joseph, CNN, 13 Oct. 2024
LaVine looked comfortable from all spots on the floor, scoring the first nine points of the game and earning cheers for an explosive rip-through dunk in the opening minutes.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 13 Oct. 2024
Benjamin Weinthal, Fox News, 14 Oct. 2024
Keanu Reeves recalls Speed bus hitting real cars during filming: 'People were screaming'
In the action thriller, Hopper’s Howard straps Bullock’s Annie with explosives and holds her hostage in a subway train before he’s ultimately wiped out by Reeves’ Jack.
—Jessica Wang, EW.com, 12 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for explosive 
Adjective
Some trickery from Williams and an explosive run from receiver DJ Moore put Chicago right at the goal line, with running back D’Andre Swift bursting through to continue the scoring frenzy.
—Sam Joseph, CNN, 13 Oct. 2024
LaVine looked comfortable from all spots on the floor, scoring the first nine points of the game and earning cheers for an explosive rip-through dunk in the opening minutes.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 13 Oct. 2024
Noun
Israel’s incursion into southern Lebanon has revealed a military outpost about a mere 300 yards north of the border with the Jewish state that is filled with explosives and mines, according to Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
—Benjamin Weinthal, Fox News, 14 Oct. 2024
Keanu Reeves recalls Speed bus hitting real cars during filming: 'People were screaming'
In the action thriller, Hopper’s Howard straps Bullock’s Annie with explosives and holds her hostage in a subway train before he’s ultimately wiped out by Reeves’ Jack.
—Jessica Wang, EW.com, 12 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for explosive
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'explosive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near explosive
Cite this Entry
“Explosive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/explosive. Accessed 22 Oct. 2024.
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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