blowup 1 of 2

blow up

2 of 2

verb

1
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

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of blowup
Noun
There were crash outs, blowups, fights over pancakes and some messy breakups. Christopher Kuhagen, jsonline.com, 26 Aug. 2025 While not immune to blowups, Peterson has been remarkably consistent, possibly the closest thing to a slump-proof starter the Mets have. Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2025
Verb
And for a program run by a nation-state or a billionaire that doesn't want to have a rocket blow up, this is prudent. Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 25 Sep. 2025 Natalie Massenet and Erik Torstensson — the picturesque power couple that made all the fashionable parties before their romance blew up — are now powering down their messy legal battle. Evan Clark, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for blowup
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blowup
Noun
  • Having this really intense action scene, and then all of a sudden a joke, a funny moment.
    H. Alan Scott, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Allen’s title character asks her mother in the play’s second scene.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • That was the sound of Blackwell’s game-deciding block, followed by the deafening final eruption from the stands of Allegiant Stadium.
    Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Jenkins was ready, calmly raising his camera to capture the eruption.
    John Armwood III, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • However, sharp spending cuts have angered many, while a recent electoral defeat for his party worried investors ahead of a key legislative vote in October.
    semafor.com, semafor.com, 26 Sep. 2025
  • The new program, Train SMART, also risks angering a network of grassroots chapters and gun violence prevention volunteers at Everytown.
    Nick Penzenstadler, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Authorities determined the package was not explosive but detonated it out of an abundance of caution, a USU spokesperson told Newsweek in an email Tuesday evening.
    Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Still, Nevo's mind often drifts to the moment in Gaza when Palestinian militants detonated explosives in a home, wounding him and killing two close friends in his army unit.
    Daniel Estrin, NPR, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • At least four people were killed and eight injured when a gunman in a pickup truck smashed through the doors of a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel in Michigan during a Sunday service attended by hundreds, opened fire and set the building ablaze.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2025
  • During a two-point conversion play, Jennings caught the ball in the endzone, but was smashed between two Jaguars defenders.
    James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Growing up in showbiz isn't all it's cracked up to be, at least according to Shaun Cassidy.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2025
  • Original castmembers Richard Kline and Priscilla Barnes also cracked up the crowd, reprising their roles as nurse Teri and lovable lech Larry.
    Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Kemp looked at the ceiling and blew a huff of air when Schwartz announced the sentence.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2025
  • Getty Images To date, the post has amassed more than 900 comments from TikTok viewers, many of them poking fun at the golden retriever mother's annoyed expression and shallow huffs.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025
Noun
  • One officer on the scene advised reporters to move back, saying there was a small possibility of an explosion.
    Kristen Jordan Shamus, USA Today, 28 Sep. 2025
  • One officer on scene advised news media to move back, saying there was a small possibility of an explosion.
    Andrea May Sahouri, Freep.com, 28 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Blowup.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blowup. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.

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