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

Romania said an explosive-laden naval drone believed to have been launched by Russia targeted one of its offshore natural gas projects. — Kosta Gak, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026

Getting Geno Smith at quarterback should help the team with more explosive plays. — Jonathan Jones, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Noun

In May, a Russian drone carrying explosives crashed in the eastern city of Galati, injuring two people and setting fire to an apartment block. — David Brennan, ABC News, 21 Aug. 2026

The disaster, which killed approximately 750 people and injured another 1,800, was due to the combustion of cotton bales and explosives, including TNT, that the ship was carrying. — Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 20 Aug. 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