1
as in intense
extreme in degree, power, or effect
there's been an explosive interest in the sport since the Olympics
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in violent
marked by bursts of destructive force or intense activity
one of the most explosive storms to hit that area of the coast in some time
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of explosive
Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 28 Apr. 2025
This explosive growth has understandably sparked a wave of interest among retail investors, many of whom are drawn to the promise of diversification and higher returns, especially after the volatility of traditional markets that occurred in 2022.
—Jonathan Foster, President and Ceo At Angeles Wealth Management, CNBC, 28 Apr. 2025
Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2025
His daring base jump off a cliff—after setting off a series of explosives in a cave to take out a monastic cult—onto the top of a hot air balloon that closes the film was done in two stages.
—ArsTechnica, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explosive
Adjective
She’s encountered her share of both real and contrived rivalries — par for the course for most pop stars — but never anything explosive enough to disrupt her unbothered aura of tranquility.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 28 Apr. 2025
This explosive growth has understandably sparked a wave of interest among retail investors, many of whom are drawn to the promise of diversification and higher returns, especially after the volatility of traditional markets that occurred in 2022.
—Jonathan Foster, President and Ceo At Angeles Wealth Management, CNBC, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
Ronin and his landmine-sniffing rat pack are making a name for rodents everywhere by saving innocent civilians from hidden explosives.
—Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2025
His daring base jump off a cliff—after setting off a series of explosives in a cave to take out a monastic cult—onto the top of a hot air balloon that closes the film was done in two stages.
—ArsTechnica, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explosive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explosive
Adjective
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Whether singing a cappella or accompanied by her guitar to hundreds or thousands of people − at a small venue or an awards show − Lafourcade's performances feel visceral, intense and intimate all at once.—
Pamela Avila,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
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In place of intense (and potentially irritating) acids, Mediheal's Madecassoside Blemish Pads target breakouts and breakout-causing bacteria with anti-inflammatory powerhouses madecassoside and cica.—
Sarah Han,
Allure,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The ads target the state House Democrats over taxes and violent crime, as well as women’s and girl’s safety.—
Julia Manchester,
The Hill,
22 Apr. 2025
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Angry Birds: Climate Change and Avian Migration Olivia Box April 3, 2022 Temperature fluctuations throughout the years are affecting bird migration and mating, with sometimes violent results.—
The Editors,
JSTOR Daily,
22 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Written by Twilight Zone creator Rod Serling, the film follows an airliner threatened by a bomb that will detonate if the plane drops below 4,000 feet.—
Kayti Burt,
Time,
23 Apr. 2025
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One of the co-founders of ICAN, Wright adds that Pope Francis’ role as a virtual patron saint of the movement to ban nuclear bombs should be recognized into the future with a special kind of homage.—
Kevin Holden Platt,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Since early March, Israel has cut Gaza off from the supply of humanitarian aid including food, with aid agencies warning that the situation for the strip’s 2 million civilians has deteriorated dangerously, only worsened by intensive Israeli military operations.—
Irene Nasser,
CNN Money,
15 Apr. 2025
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Now, more than six months after first complaining of stomach pain, Butlin started her first three-month course of intensive chemotherapy on April 8.—
Vanessa Etienne,
People.com,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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In other words, if Instagram had even somewhat appeared as a future threat to Facebook or Facebook’s competition, there would have been a ferocious bidding war for Instagram that would have pushed its purchase price far, far above $1 billion.—
John Tamny,
Forbes.com,
16 Apr. 2025
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There’s scenario No. 1: Either Carter, a ferocious All-American pass rusher, or Hunter, a generational wide receiver-cornerback hybrid, is available, and the Patriots can add a premium talent at a position of need in what can only be described as a front-office dream.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
16 Apr. 2025
Noun
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This is the ballpark where the torpedo bats originally cracked and echoed, and New York starts Friday with gaudy offensive numbers (second in runs per game and on-base percentage, tied with the Dodgers for most homers).—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2025
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Some said the torpedo bats should be banned, and others denounced the Yankees for breaking the rules.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Melania Trump has courted controversy, garnered attention for her fashion Trump's fashion choices are the subject of fierce controversy and constant attention.—
Jay Stahl,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2025
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Orlando City and Atlanta United will meet on Saturday in a fierce rivalry MLS matchup, a game soccer fans in the U.S. won't want to miss.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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That might be the ultimate takeaway for leaders navigating turbulent times.—
Karl Moore,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
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Which brings me to another important lesson from turbulent times: market timing (still) does not work.—
Jill Schlesinger,
Mercury News,
28 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Explosive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explosive. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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