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
Joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025
This type of explosive strengthening is happening more frequently as planet-warming pollution tips the scales toward hotter oceans that fuel powerful storms.
—Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2025
Yossi Melman, ProPublica, 7 Aug. 2025
After Loeb translated the book, the Allies were able to deactivate explosives concealed in the bridge, enabling soldiers to cross the Rhine River into Germany.
—David Moin, Footwear News, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for explosive
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Adjective
Meta is defending its AI policies Friday after an explosive report revealed chatbots engaged in romantic or sensual conversations with children.
—Joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025
This type of explosive strengthening is happening more frequently as planet-warming pollution tips the scales toward hotter oceans that fuel powerful storms.
—Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
They were taught to ride motorcycles and either shoot their targets at close range or plant explosives on their vehicles.
—Yossi Melman, ProPublica, 7 Aug. 2025
After Loeb translated the book, the Allies were able to deactivate explosives concealed in the bridge, enabling soldiers to cross the Rhine River into Germany.
—David Moin, Footwear News, 31 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 19 Aug. 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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