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
Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2026
Despite the explosive growth of cheese culture in America over the last two generations, most of us fall back on predictable templates of cheese and wine.
—Anna Lee Iijima, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 21 Apr. 2026
Then, an attack with homemade explosives outside the mayor’s mansion in New York City.
—Hannah Allam, ProPublica, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for explosive
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Adjective
Authorities determined that an explosive device had been brought aboard the aircraft, likely concealed in a radio, and detonated shortly after takeoff.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2026
Despite the explosive growth of cheese culture in America over the last two generations, most of us fall back on predictable templates of cheese and wine.
—Anna Lee Iijima, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
This all-new podcast takes listeners to the small town of Elberton, GA and on a wild ride through granite quarries, graves, cults, Confederate monuments, a swatting raid, and A LOT of explosives.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 21 Apr. 2026
Then, an attack with homemade explosives outside the mayor’s mansion in New York City.
—Hannah Allam, ProPublica, 21 Apr. 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 26 Apr. 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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