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
The explosives did not detonate.
—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 17 Mar. 2026
No, a restaurant where conviviality flows like a broken water main, and the food is rich, comforting and detonating with flavor.
—Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 16 Mar. 2026
Police have obtained images of the person who allegedly detonated the bomb, the City of Amsterdam told CNN in a statement.
—Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 14 Mar. 2026
Both devices failed to detonate.
—Michael Ruiz , Greg Wehner , Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 14 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for detonate
Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 17 Mar. 2026
No, a restaurant where conviviality flows like a broken water main, and the food is rich, comforting and detonating with flavor.
—Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 16 Mar. 2026
Police have obtained images of the person who allegedly detonated the bomb, the City of Amsterdam told CNN in a statement.
—Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 14 Mar. 2026
Both devices failed to detonate.
—Michael Ruiz , Greg Wehner , Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 14 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for detonate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detonate
Verb
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Costs have exploded since the end of February upon the launch of Operation Epic Fury, the joint military strikes with Israel against Iran.—
Washington Examiner Staff,
The Washington Examiner,
19 Mar. 2026
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Characters will die and the entire lab sometimes explodes, only for things to snap back to normal in the very next episode.—
Eric Vilas-Boas,
Vulture,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Victor Wembanyama had 21 points and 13 rebounds, and the San Antonio Spurs overcame an early 14-point deficit before blowing most of a 24-point lead and recovering to hold off the Los Angeles Clippers 119-115 on Monday night.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2026
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When Italian thieves blew apart Knightsbridge, Prager could have fled.—
Jack Crosbie,
Rolling Stone,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The brush consistently delivers the right amount of product, creating noticeable length and definition that make my eyes pop.—
Catharine Malzahn,
Glamour,
18 Mar. 2026
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As the vast landscape spread out below, filled with roaming herds and golden hues, our guest popped the question—creating a moment both magical and unforgettable.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Detonate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detonate. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.
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