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
Despite their struggles, the Twins avoided high-profile blowups aside from one involving Jax and Baldelli on July 30, one the reliever has since downplayed multiple times. Dan Hayes, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025 Faulí also has blowups of about ten grainy black-and-white photographs that were taken in Gaudí’s workshop. D. T. Max, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
Some of my WhatsApp chats were blowing up as family and friends who were also on tenterhooks constantly posted pics and videos. Grace White, Essence, 29 Oct. 2025 Between us and Nate and Greg’s talent, that blew up. Frank Digiacomo, Billboard, 27 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for blowup
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blowup
Noun
  • When Brittany Snow thinks of filming intimate scenes with costar Malin Akerman onThe Hunting Wives, one thing in particular stands out to her.
    Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Santiago, Chile, and its surrounding areas was another top trending destination thanks to the stunning Andes Mountains, an eclectic arts scene, and more.
    Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 28 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Sulfuric aerosols trapped in ice cores suggest that a truly massive volcanic eruption took place in 1809, followed by a succession of smaller eruptions that culminated in the staggering explosion of Mount Tambora in 1815.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2025
  • While tectonic activity is the leading cause, earthquakes can also result from volcanic eruptions, underground explosions, and human activities like mining or large-scale construction.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • That loss of sales has already angered many Midwestern soybean farmers, who see the administration’s Argentina outreach as benefiting a competitor while leaving American exporters disadvantaged.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025
  • The deal could improve America’s relationship with its chief economic adversary while angering key allies and its two biggest trading partners.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • After the initial explosion happened in those production kettles, investigators believe other explosive materials stored on the main floor also detonated, McCracken said.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Preliminary findings indicate that the explosion was caused by a World War II artillery shell that detonated in the apartment, per the police news release.
    Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The solar wind smashes into the leading edge of Earth’s magnetosphere with supersonic speed, creating a shockwave that can come closer than one hundred thousand kilometers to the planet’s illuminated side.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2025
  • From there, two of the thieves slinked up the ladder to smash a window that leads to the Galerie d’Apollon on the museum’s second floor.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The two of us crack up, that this is where Jesus Land has taken her, having this conversation with someone so near her kids’ age.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Viewer Reactions The TikTok video left viewers cracking up, and as of Tuesday, the clip had amassed over 526,000 views and 48,600 views.
    Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Lloyd evaded a diving Mahomes, Kareem Hunt and a streaking Tyquan Thornton for a huff-and-puff 99-yard interception return for a touchdown.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Kemp looked at the ceiling and blew a huff of air when Schwartz announced the sentence.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • For the rest of the nineteenth century and into the twentieth century, magnetic storms, triggered by colossal solar explosions, repeatedly disrupted those networks.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Growing attraction Though specialized e-bike shops have been in operation for more than a decade, their recent explosion in business can be attributed to changes in offerings and price.
    Ashley Mackin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Blowup.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blowup. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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