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
Radhika Seth, Vogue, 12 Jan. 2026
Youthful in his tendencies, explosive in his flashes.
—Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 11 Jan. 2026
Wcco Staff, CBS News, 13 Jan. 2026
Vandenberg intended to turn explosives into a tool of intimidation, and this verdict sends the message that attempts to substitute violence for expressing one’s opinion has no place in our communities and will be met with federal consequences.
—Ashley Carnahan, FOXNews.com, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for explosive
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Adjective
Her explosive pivotal scene—where her walls break down and the truth spills out at last—is a masterclass.
—Radhika Seth, Vogue, 12 Jan. 2026
Youthful in his tendencies, explosive in his flashes.
—Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 11 Jan. 2026
Noun
Protesters were peaceful early in the afternoon, though WCCO saw at least three people detained in the evening as federal agents fired chemicals and explosives after warning people to clear the street and stop blocking traffic.
—Wcco Staff, CBS News, 13 Jan. 2026
Vandenberg intended to turn explosives into a tool of intimidation, and this verdict sends the message that attempts to substitute violence for expressing one’s opinion has no place in our communities and will be met with federal consequences.
—Ashley Carnahan, FOXNews.com, 12 Jan. 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 15 Jan. 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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