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
Christopher Cann, USA Today, 21 July 2025
In order to help retrieve the man from the cave, rescuers widened the cave using explosive charges at three key junctures carrying him to the surface.
—Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2025
Sophie Clark, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 July 2025
Surging demand for cement, explosives Besides the hydropower infrastructure and equipment suppliers, analysts suggest construction of the colossal project would also benefit companies involved in production of cement and civil explosive products.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for explosive
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Adjective
The blaze broke out on July 13 and burned for several days before undergoing explosive growth fueled by strong winds, high temperatures and low humidity.
—Christopher Cann, USA Today, 21 July 2025
In order to help retrieve the man from the cave, rescuers widened the cave using explosive charges at three key junctures carrying him to the surface.
—Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2025
Noun
The indictment then alleges that Gann researched explosives and firearms online in or around May and June 2025.
—Sophie Clark, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 July 2025
Surging demand for cement, explosives Besides the hydropower infrastructure and equipment suppliers, analysts suggest construction of the colossal project would also benefit companies involved in production of cement and civil explosive products.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 23 July 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 29 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
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