nuclear

adjective

nu·cle·ar ˈnü-klē-ər

ˈnyü-

nonstandard -kyə-lər

Synonyms of nuclear next

: of, relating to, or constituting a nucleus

annexation of the suburban fringe by the nuclear metropolis—

W. H. Wickwar

: of or relating to the atomic nucleus

nuclear reaction

nuclear physics

: used in or produced by a nuclear reaction (such as fission)

nuclear fuel

nuclear waste

nuclear energy

c(1)

: being a weapon whose destructive power derives from an uncontrolled nuclear reaction

(2)

: of, produced by, or involving nuclear weapons

the nuclear age

nuclear war

(3)

: armed with nuclear weapons

nuclear powers

: of, relating to, or powered by nuclear energy

a nuclear submarine

the nuclear debate

a nuclear plant

How do you pronounce nuclear?: Usage Guide

Though disapproved of by many, pronunciations ending in \-kyə-lər\ have been found in widespread use among educated speakers including scientists, lawyers, professors, congressmen, U.S. cabinet members, and at least two U.S. presidents and one vice president. While most common in the U.S., these pronunciations have also been heard from British and Canadian speakers.

Phrases

go nuclear

informal

: to become wildly excited or upset : go berserk

To say the crowd went wild is an understatement. The crowd went nuclear. Outside the stadium, cars were overturned and fires were set. We sportswriters huddled inside, fearing for our lives.—

Tony Kornheiser

Examples of nuclear in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The Biden-Harris success also extends to renewable energy production, with renewable outpacing coal and nuclear production in 2022 for the first time. —

Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 6 Sep. 2024 As such, providers will be able to seek out the best imaging agents to improve patient outcomes, while imaging companies and nuclear pharmacists will have the financial backing to supply these advanced tools. —

Stephen Belcher, Forbes, 6 Sep. 2024 From humble beginnings in Southeast Georgia’s apiaries to consulting on complex nuclear issues during the Cold War, Dr. Gray attributes his success to his faith and the lessons learned early in life. —

William Mullane, USA TODAY, 6 Sep. 2024 But now the power to create that frenzy—the power to communicate—has gone from the slingshot age to the nuclear age. —

CBS News, 6 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for nuclear

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'nuclear.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.