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1

explosive

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adjective ex·plo·sive \ik-ˈsplō-siv, -ziv\

Definition of explosive

  1. 1a :  relating to, characterized by, or operated by explosion an explosive hatchb :  resulting from or as if from an explosion explosive population growth

  2. 2a :  tending to explode an explosive personb :  likely to erupt in or produce hostile reaction or violence an explosive ghetto situation

explosively

adverb

explosiveness

noun

See explosive defined for English-language learners

See explosive defined for kids

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Examples of explosive in a Sentence

  1. He has an explosive temper.

  2. there's been an explosive interest in the sport since the Olympics

First Known Use of explosive

1696

explosive Synonyms

Synonyms
acute, almighty, blistering, deep, dreadful, excruciating, intense, exquisite, fearful, fearsome, ferocious, fierce, frightful, furious, ghastly, hard, heavy, heavy-duty, hellacious, intensive, keen, profound, terrible, vehement, vicious, violent
Antonyms
light, moderate, soft
Related Words
accentuated, aggravated, concentrated, deepened; emphasized, enhanced, heightened, intensified, magnified; stressed; exhaustive, thorough; harsh, rigorous, severe
Near Antonyms
feeble, weak; shallow, superficial; moderated, qualified; alleviated, eased, lightened, toned (down); abated, decreased, diminished, lessened, reduced, subdued
2

explosive

noun ex·plo·sive

Definition of explosive

  1. 1 :  an explosive substance

  2. 2 :  a consonant characterized by explosion in its articulation when it occurs in certain environments :  stop

See explosive defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of explosive

1773

Phrases Related to EXPLOSIVE

Related Phrases

EXPLOSIVE Defined for English Language Learners

explosive

play
adjective

Definition of explosive for English Language Learners

  • : able to cause an explosion : used for exploding something

  • : relating to an explosion or caused by an explosion

  • : tending to get angry very easily

explosive

noun

Definition of explosive for English Language Learners

  • : a substance (such as dynamite) that is used to cause an explosion : an explosive substance

EXPLOSIVE Defined for Kids

1

explosive

play
adjective ex·plo·sive \ik-ˈsplō-siv, -ziv\

Definition of explosive for Students

  1. 1 :  able to cause explosion the explosive power of gunpowder

  2. 2 :  tending to show anger easily :  likely to explode an explosive temper

explosively

adverb
2

explosive

play
noun ex·plo·sive

Definition of explosive for Students

  1. :  a substance that is used to cause an explosion

Learn More about explosive

  1. See words that rhyme with explosive Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for explosive Spanish Central: Translation of explosive Nglish: Translation of explosive for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of explosive for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about explosive

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Examples: explosive in a Sentence