1
as in scene
an outburst or display of excited anger
the boss had another blowup when someone fouled up the copy machine
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
as in to anger
to become very angry
she blew up at everybody after a very long and very bad day
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to detonate
to break open or into pieces usually because of internal pressure
the building blew up because of a gas leak
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to smash
to cause to break open or into pieces by or as if by an explosive
blew up the biggest rocks and then cleared them away
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to crack up
to praise or publicize lavishly and often excessively
the advertisement blows the new soda up to the point where I half expected to be transported to a higher level of consciousness
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of blowup
Ryan Brennan
april 16,
Miami Herald,
16 Apr. 2026
Not with an argument or a blowup.
—
Literary Hub,
7 Apr. 2026
Sacbee.com,
25 June 2026
The one who sets the bone-crushing screen that springs the star, then immediately sprints to the rim for the lob, then turns around and blows up the other team’s pick-and-roll on the other end all in one sequence?
—
Lawrence Dow,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for blowup
Noun
Older ones dismissed it as a typical relationship blowup.
—
Ryan Brennan
april 16,
Miami Herald,
16 Apr. 2026
Not with an argument or a blowup.
—
Literary Hub,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
Rodriguez-Mora, 42, was one of seven people killed last July 1 when a warehouse filled with workers preparing for Independence Day fireworks displays blew up in the community of Esparto near Woodland.
—
Sacbee.com,
25 June 2026
The one who sets the bone-crushing screen that springs the star, then immediately sprints to the rim for the lob, then turns around and blows up the other team’s pick-and-roll on the other end all in one sequence?
—
Lawrence Dow,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for blowup
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blowup
Noun
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The show was always brilliant at orchestrating moods, with its slow-fast, quiet-loud contrasts, its extreme close-ups and noisy action scenes.
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Collett is, ultimately, the reason D'Arcy dreaded performing that scene.
Noun
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The hotel staff can help direct you to info about eruptions, closures, and options for outdoor experiences.
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The video then shows an eruption of flames from what sources say were lithium batteries from an e-bike that was in the living room.
Verb
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Younger, more far left candidates across the nation, from California to Indiana, are running this year to try and oust older, longtime congressional incumbents — angering Democratic Party leaders.
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Not further angering Republicans took precedence over protecting the creative freedom of CBS’ producing partners.
Verb
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In one video a drone runs into protective netting at least 50 feet above the target and detonating prematurely.
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Between 1946 and 1958, the United States military detonated 67 nuclear bombs around the island, raising questions about their lasting impact on marine life.
Verb
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Powell is accused of smashing the mug over the victim's head.
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The van’s windows were smashed and a lone orange traffic cone sat on the hood.
Verb
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So here’s another communal chance to crack up at Steve O being launched into orbit inside a Port-a-Potty!
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Paige, known for his tall tales, would crack up other members of the organization.
Noun
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Devers walked back to the dugout in a huff.
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David walks out of the kitchen and Moira huffs and takes his spot over the pot.
Noun
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In 2013, a truck and train collided in the same area, leading to a chemical explosion.
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The rocket’s explosion took out its only launch pad, LC-36A.
Cite this Entry
“Blowup.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blowup. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
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