as in to explode
to break open or into pieces usually because of internal pressure
the bomb detonated with a thunder that could be heard for blocks in all directions
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Recent Examples of detonate
Investigators found that Aliji intended to drive a Volkswagen Beetle equipped with fake police sirens and flashing blue lights toward crowds outside the venue before detonating explosives concealed inside a Red Bull can.
—
Bryan West, USA Today, 28 May 2026
Sure enough, shortly after, a bomb was detonated at the checkpoint.
—Midhat Zwayen, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Its material originated during October 1977 sessions at Memphis’ Ardent Studios, where the original lineup — the late Lux Interior, Poison Ivy, Bryan Gregory and Nick Knox — worked with Chilton shortly before detonating the underground rock landscape.
—Spin Staff, SPIN, 27 May 2026
While the $25,000 charge is a monthly fee for the satellite connection provided to a satellite terminal, the terminals are being used with drones that only make one-way trips before hitting targets and detonating on impact.
—ArsTechnica, 26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for detonate
Bryan West, USA Today, 28 May 2026
Sure enough, shortly after, a bomb was detonated at the checkpoint.
—Midhat Zwayen, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Its material originated during October 1977 sessions at Memphis’ Ardent Studios, where the original lineup — the late Lux Interior, Poison Ivy, Bryan Gregory and Nick Knox — worked with Chilton shortly before detonating the underground rock landscape.
—Spin Staff, SPIN, 27 May 2026
While the $25,000 charge is a monthly fee for the satellite connection provided to a satellite terminal, the terminals are being used with drones that only make one-way trips before hitting targets and detonating on impact.
—ArsTechnica, 26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for detonate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detonate
Verb
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America’s national parks shine in the summertime, with spectacular mountain passes thawed for the season, sparkling lakes and glittering beaches at the peak of their allure, and blankets of wildflowers exploding into bloom.—
Jessica Puckett,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 June 2026
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However, a primordial black hole born with a mass of just 1 ton would immediately explode, instantly reaching the Planck mass.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
3 June 2026
Verb
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This doesn’t work for Alice, however, who goes from disbelief to sabotage to an act of betrayal whose wreckage spills out over the series and blows back on her.—
Robert Lloyd,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2026
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Whenever your outfit feels a little plain, these goodies will inject some welcome personality—all without blowing a hole in your budget.—
Jake Henry Smith,
Glamour,
8 June 2026
Verb
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Extra touches include a long row of international power outlets that pop up out of the desk, dental and shaving kits in bathrooms, as well as garment bags to take home in the closet.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
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Thanks in advance for any insights & perspective that may pop from this and, as always, keep up the awesome work.—
Joe Kinsey OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
2 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Detonate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detonate. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
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