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
Jim Keyser, Idaho Statesman, 16 Nov. 2025
Plumes of tear gas filled the street as hooded protesters dragged riot police out of formation, beat them with hammers and chains and threw explosive devices at them, as they were stripped of their shields and communication radios.
—Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 15 Nov. 2025
Charlotte Observer, 9 Nov. 2025
Each suspect is charged with one count of conspiracy to damage by means of fire or an explosive.
—Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explosive
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Adjective
Sutton finished with 150 yards rushing on 25 carries, and Washington provided the explosive plays, finishing with 98 yards on just nine runs.
—Jim Keyser, Idaho Statesman, 16 Nov. 2025
Plumes of tear gas filled the street as hooded protesters dragged riot police out of formation, beat them with hammers and chains and threw explosive devices at them, as they were stripped of their shields and communication radios.
—Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 15 Nov. 2025
Noun
Alvin Kamara, the Saints’ explosive running back who showed up on the injury report this week, is good to go.
—Charlotte Observer, 9 Nov. 2025
Each suspect is charged with one count of conspiracy to damage by means of fire or an explosive.
—Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 5 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 16 Nov. 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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