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
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
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
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
Cite this Entry
“Explosive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/explosive. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share