blows up

present tense third-person singular of blow up
1
2
as in explodes
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 shatters
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 blows up The new $106 million Nike man totally blows up a Titans run to start the game. Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 7 Sep. 2025 But if this blows up in Utah’s face in two or three years … oy. David Aldridge, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025 When Yung Felon’s identity is revealed, his music blows up with billions of streams, and new fans flock to support him despite his heinous crimes. Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 15 Aug. 2025 This week, Cardi B has a message for the competition, Chance The Rapper comes full circle and Dijon blows up. Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 15 Aug. 2025 Or if some out-of-towner blows up a factory with her stuff in it. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 14 Aug. 2025 And yeah, his attempt to do so at the bar blows up her parents’ ruse as well as Connie’s commitment to ethical nonmonogamy with Chane — who didn’t consent to Connie forcing him to feel her feelings — but safe to say both of those things needed to be blown up. Genevieve Koski, Vulture, 5 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blows up
Verb
  • The post also included a video showing aerial footage of a fast-moving boat at sea that suddenly explodes.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
  • When Whitney accuses her of lying to cover up her misdoings, everything explodes.
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In a small town like Harding, a crime involving local children of local families shatters the relatively placid and usually numb routines of daily life.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Continue reading … HEAT HISTORY – Padres flamethrower shatters MLB record with jaw-dropping pitch in playoff battle.
    , FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Brother Dusk detonates explosives that shatter the cryonic chamber of Cleon clones, bodies raining down in blood and glass, before plucking a single embryo from the wreckage to bait Demerzel’s deepest programming.
    JP Mangalindan, Time, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Determined to finish the job, Dante detonates explosives on the dam itself.
    EW.com, EW.com, 24 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • As Richard tries to kill Carrie, Sigrid shoots him in the shoulder and Lo smashes him in the face with a piece of boating equipment.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2025
  • As several women listen intently, Belushi, donning a toga, rips the guitar out of Bishop's hands and smashes it into a wall.
    Mark Gray, PEOPLE, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Nestlé announces layoffs Nestlé CEO Philipp Navratil announced in a LinkedIn post on Thursday that the company is laying off more than 16,000 employees—mostly white-collar positions—to cut costs.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Continue reading … PAY TO STAY – Department of Homeland Security announces $1,000 immigration parole fee.
    , FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • I'mPhaedra Trethan, debating whether put the heat on at my house as the season's first Nor'easter blows into Jersey.
    Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Amina blows her mom a kiss and then flops down in her crib, pretending to be asleep.
    Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • If the city demolishes the building, the costs will be assessed to the property owner.
    Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The display pops outdoors, the camera produces crisp, colorful photos, and Galaxy AI features like quick summaries and cross-app actions make life smoother.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 15 Oct. 2025
  • These pants serve as a fun addition to fall outfits, as the print pops in a sea of blue jeans.
    Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Blows up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blows%20up. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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