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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of detonate
That artillery round failed to clear the roadway and detonated midflight near Interstate 5 southbound, sending shrapnel flying toward protective service details assigned to the vice president.
—
Calmatters, Mercury News, 23 Oct. 2025
Two months later, on February 26, 1993, al-Qaeda detonated a truck bomb beneath the World Trade Center, killing six people and injuring more than a thousand.
—Big Think, 20 Oct. 2025
The artillery round detonated mid-flight and failed to clear the roadway, the CHP said.
—Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Oct. 2025
The Soviet Union detonated its first device four years after Hiroshima.
—MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for detonate
Calmatters, Mercury News, 23 Oct. 2025
Two months later, on February 26, 1993, al-Qaeda detonated a truck bomb beneath the World Trade Center, killing six people and injuring more than a thousand.
—Big Think, 20 Oct. 2025
The artillery round detonated mid-flight and failed to clear the roadway, the CHP said.
—Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Oct. 2025
The Soviet Union detonated its first device four years after Hiroshima.
—MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for detonate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detonate
Verb
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By Fortune’s estimates, drawn from industry data, the value of all direct deals, using the broad definition of single investments in private companies, will explode to something like $200 billion this year, multiple the number several years ago.—
Shawn Tully,
Fortune,
1 Nov. 2025
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Jacques Torres Classic Hot Chocolate Bombs These decadent hot chocolate bombs from master chocolatier Jacques Torres are exploding with flavor.—
Mark Marino,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The Giants, meanwhile, are coming off a painful defeat to the Denver Broncos, after blowing a 19-0 lead and losing 33-32 on a last-second Denver field goal after missing two PATs of their own, including one with 37 seconds left.—
Mike Jones,
New York Times,
26 Oct. 2025
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After the final whistle blew at Memorial Stadium, Kiffin made some headlines for his postgame behavior toward an Oklahoma player.—
Matt Audilet,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Oct. 2025
Verb
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When needed, just transfer your items, breeze through security, and pop them back in your bag afterward.—
Samantha Leal,
Travel + Leisure,
29 Oct. 2025
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The second interception bounced off the hands of Travis Kelce — the second time this year a Mahomes interception has hit Kelce before popping into the arms of a defender.—
Sam McDowell
Updated October 27,
Kansas City Star,
28 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Detonate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detonate. Accessed 2 Nov. 2025.
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