explosive

1 of 2

adjective

ex·​plo·​sive ik-ˈsplō-siv How to pronounce explosive (audio)
-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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
While the Yankees weren’t too explosive on their annual fireworks night, their three runs proved plenty with Tim Hill, Fernando Cruz, Luke Weaver and Devin Williams keeping the A’s off the board. Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 28 June 2025 The 30,000-pound bomb consists of steel, explosive and a fuse programmed to a specific detonation time. Arkansas Online, 27 June 2025
Noun
However, less known is how China is arguably Russia’s most valuable war partner, providing critical diplomatic ties and soft cover and supplying electronics, explosives, microchips and intelligence on deep strikes. Laura Thornton, Twin Cities, 27 June 2025 He was also indicted for having explosives, which was included in the hate crime counts. Colleen Slevin, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for explosive

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1696, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1773, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of explosive was in 1696

Cite this Entry

“Explosive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/explosive. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

explosive

1 of 2 adjective
ex·​plo·​sive ik-ˈsplō-siv How to pronounce explosive (audio)
-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

More from Merriam-Webster on explosive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!