blowup 1 of 2

Definition of blowupnext

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
Not with an argument or a blowup. Literary Hub, 7 Apr. 2026 Having an enormous blowup has never kept Taylor and Dakota from hooking up before. Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
The event features food trucks, blow up games, T-shirts and a chance to win tickets to a game. The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 17 June 2026 One of those blew up on its landing attempt while another was purposefully expended to get its payload to a higher orbital insertion. Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for blowup
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blowup
Noun
  • In Westeros, there are death scenes and then there are death scenes.
    Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 22 June 2026
  • Vanoven urged residents to stay home as crews worked the active scene, warning that downed power lines and debris would be harder to see after dark.
    Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • The hotel staff can help direct you to info about eruptions, closures, and options for outdoor experiences.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 June 2026
  • 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.
    Joe Brandt, CBS News, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • But Schnur said the governor likely also has concerns about angering one of his biggest backers.
    Katie King, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026
  • Meanwhile, Daemon, angered that his wife/niece is mad at him for orchestrating the brutal murder of a child, goes to the cursed castle of Harrenhal to claim it for their side — or perhaps to claim it for himself.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • The military retaliation followed an April 26 terror attack, when an explosive device detonated on a passenger bus traveling along the Pan-American Highway in the volatile Cauca region.
    Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2026
  • Proper told investigators that a group planned to stage a demonstration outside the White House, fly small drones laden with explosives to detonate outside the arena to force the crowd to evacuate, and act as snipers to shoot people fleeing the event.
    Noe Padilla, USA Today, 16 June 2026
Verb
  • The suspect also allegedly attacked a car at a gas station, which was found with its windows smashed out and an axe inside, and he was seen pushing down shelves inside the station’s market, BBC News reported.
    Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2026
  • The tension in these tracks are the binding agent for Jane’s fan base — the music is full of contradictions and incompatibilities smashing together that just feel like being young right now.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • Paige, known for his tall tales, would crack up other members of the organization.
    Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 7 June 2026
  • Mark Toothaker, a stallion sales manager for Spendthrift Farm in Lexington, Kentucky, was on the couch cracking up with his wife, Malory, about the whiffed field goal and consequential turnover.
    Kelly O'Grady, CBS News, 3 May 2026
Noun
  • Rhodes celebrated with the crowd at the Inalpi Arena in Turin, while Gunther walked back up the entrance ramp in a huff.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2026
  • David walks out of the kitchen and Moira huffs and takes his spot over the pot.
    Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 31 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Moscow’s mayor said air defenses shot down nearly 200 drones, as videos circulating on social media showed explosions and smoke billowing across the Russian capital.
    Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 19 June 2026
  • The fire reached an ammonia line, triggering several small explosions and a dramatic image of flames shooting through the building roof as crews evacuated the area to avoid the fumes.
    Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Blowup.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blowup. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.

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