1
: the action of imploding
2
: the act or action of bringing to or as if to a center
also : integration
This implosion of cultures makes realistic for the first time the age-old vision of a world culture … Kenneth Keniston
3
: the inrush of air in forming a suction stop
implosive adjective or noun

Examples of implosion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The implosion of Platner’s candidacy was the perfect cocktail of consultant malpractice, empty suit authenticity, and moral expediency. Maria Comella, Vanity Fair, 23 July 2026 The runners-up/winners of the last Africa Cup of Nations had two dreadful implosions, first against Norway in the group stage before a bizarre collapse when facing Belgium in the round of 32. Adam Crafton, New York Times, 20 July 2026 Those knocks, a masterful performance from Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and a late implosion set the Yankees up for an 8-2 loss in the first game of a split doubleheader at Yankee Stadium. Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 19 July 2026 The Senate minority leader, whose reservations about Platner were vindicated by the candidate’s implosion, is staying on the sidelines; so is the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for implosion

Word History

Etymology

in- entry 2 + -plosion (as in explosion)

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of implosion was in 1877

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Implosion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/implosion. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

implosion

noun
: the action of imploding

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