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
Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 23 Feb. 2026
As a 21-year-old rookie for the Cardinals in 2021, Moore caught 54 passes, displaying the explosive talent many had expected.
—Dianna Russini, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2026
Fabiola Sanchez, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Feb. 2026
The Jalisco cartel has been one of the most aggressive cartels in its attacks on the military — including on helicopters — and is a pioneer in launching explosives from drones and installing mines.
—Fabiola Sánchez, Fortune, 22 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for explosive
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Adjective
Those numbers could skyrocket in what looks like an explosive 2026 Texas offense spearheaded by returning quarterback Arch Manning, returning receivers Ryan Wingo and Emmett Mosley V and a revamped running back duo of Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown.
—Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 23 Feb. 2026
As a 21-year-old rookie for the Cardinals in 2021, Moore caught 54 passes, displaying the explosive talent many had expected.
—Dianna Russini, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2026
Noun
Known as aggressive cartel The Jalisco cartel has been one of the most aggressive cartels in its attacks on the military — including on helicopters — and is a pioneer in launching explosives from drones and installing mines.
—Fabiola Sanchez, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Feb. 2026
The Jalisco cartel has been one of the most aggressive cartels in its attacks on the military — including on helicopters — and is a pioneer in launching explosives from drones and installing mines.
—Fabiola Sánchez, Fortune, 22 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for explosive
Cite this Entry
“Explosive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/explosive. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
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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