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
Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 9 Mar. 2026
Amid the faceoff, Balat tossed a jar-sized device that contained the explosive TATP into the crowd, the complaint said.
—Jake Offenhartz, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
Todd Richmond, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026
Rescue paramedics assigned to the Austin police bomb squad also were on scene as police checked checked the gunman's SUV for explosives.
—Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 7 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for explosive
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Adjective
The news agency, citing sources, reported that the devices were made of a sports drink bottle that was filled or partially filled with explosive material and placed inside glass jars and surrounded by nuts and bolts.
—Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 9 Mar. 2026
Amid the faceoff, Balat tossed a jar-sized device that contained the explosive TATP into the crowd, the complaint said.
—Jake Offenhartz, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
Noun
Federal authorities have accused Casap of planning his parents’ murders, buying a drone and explosives and sharing his plans with others, including a Russian speaker.
—Todd Richmond, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026
Rescue paramedics assigned to the Austin police bomb squad also were on scene as police checked checked the gunman's SUV for explosives.
—Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 7 Mar. 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 10 Mar. 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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