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
Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 May 2025
She’s charged with an attempt to assassinate a cabinet member nominee and carrying a firearm, dangerous weapon, explosive or incendiary device on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol, the indictment shows.
—Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 9 May 2025
Emily Baker-White, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Luis da Silva, 44, allegedly planned to livestream the attack and detonate explosives near the stage during Lady Gaga's free show on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, which drew a crowd of 2.5 million on Saturday night, Rio de Janeiro Civil Police Secretary Felipe Curi told the New York Post.
—Dan Gooding
gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for explosive
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Adjective
Forecast: Both rookies will have good rookie seasons, but the combination of L.A.’s more talented offense and his own tools will lead to the explosive Hampton, 22, matching or exceeding Jeanty, 21, in both yards per carry and rushes of 20 yards or more.
Expect Jeanty to carry a heavier load.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 May 2025
She’s charged with an attempt to assassinate a cabinet member nominee and carrying a firearm, dangerous weapon, explosive or incendiary device on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol, the indictment shows.
—Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 9 May 2025
Noun
For decades, teens have sought out recipes for drugs, instructions on how to make explosives, and all kinds of explicit material across the internet.
—Emily Baker-White, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Luis da Silva, 44, allegedly planned to livestream the attack and detonate explosives near the stage during Lady Gaga's free show on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, which drew a crowd of 2.5 million on Saturday night, Rio de Janeiro Civil Police Secretary Felipe Curi told the New York Post.
—Dan Gooding
gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 May 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 20 May. 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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