explosive

1 of 2

adjective

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

explosive

2 of 2

noun

1

: an explosive substance

2

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

Synonyms of explosive

Adjective

• intense
• intensive
• ferocious
• fierce
• deep
• terrible
• violent
• heavy
• furious

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

Across Lower East Side dives in the early 2000s, Brian Chase, Nick Zinner, and Karen O put on otherworldly rock shows that verged on performance art—a blaze of vodka-spitting, mic-fellating, IDGAF unruliness and explosive, clamorous tracks. — Megan Buerger, Pitchfork, 5 Nov. 2026

O'Brien and Bashir were digitally pasted over the original actors in the former, while the latter was explained away by Sisko and Dax's madcap dash to find the elusive explosive tribble. — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 4 Nov. 2026

Noun

The violations relate to the manufacture, sale, purchase, transportation, possession, concealment or use of firearms, explosives and other deadly weapons as prohibited by state law. — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 10 Nov. 2026

In August, a draft officer in Lviv in western Ukraine was stabbed to death, and the following month a recruitment centre in the city was damaged by an explosive. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 10 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1696, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1773, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing explosive

• high explosive
• plastic explosive

Rhymes for explosive

• corrosive
• erosive
• noncorrosive
• plosive

Kids 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