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, some of which detonated and some did not, were believed to have been a mix of propane tanks and pipe bombs.
—
Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 2 May 2026
On May 4, 1886, a bomb detonated during protests and police officers fired shots.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 1 May 2026
That bridge has been burned, detonated, destroyed, nuked, lasered to death.
—Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2026
The bomb detonated at the end of Grande’s concert as thousands of young fans were leaving, becoming the deadliest extremist attack in the United Kingdom in recent years.
—Philipp Jenne, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for detonate
Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 2 May 2026
On May 4, 1886, a bomb detonated during protests and police officers fired shots.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 1 May 2026
That bridge has been burned, detonated, destroyed, nuked, lasered to death.
—Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2026
The bomb detonated at the end of Grande’s concert as thousands of young fans were leaving, becoming the deadliest extremist attack in the United Kingdom in recent years.
—Philipp Jenne, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for detonate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detonate
Verb
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Spain’s major talent is exploding on the international stage, both in film and TV.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
13 May 2026
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Courtesy Cambridge Health Alliance Few studies have rigorously examined how OpenEvidence affects patient outcomes, largely due to how recently the tool has exploded in popularity.—
Jared Perlo,
NBC news,
13 May 2026
Verb
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Interestingly, the blowing agent is derived from oyster shells discarded by the seafood industry, and the magnesium and calcium are sourced as natural byproducts of seawater desalination.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
19 May 2026
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Arizona had already established a commanding 7-2 lead going into the fourth inning, but the Diamondbacks blew the doors open by putting up a five-spot to take a 10-run lead.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
19 May 2026
Verb
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In the middle of it all—including group shots that pop up all over Instagram in the hours and days that follow—moving easily between the suites, the sidelines, and the cameras, is Robert Kraft, the owner of the New England Patriots and one of the most powerful figures in American sports.—
Derek C. Blasberg,
Vanity Fair,
19 May 2026
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Betts popped out on the next pitch, stranding them both.—
Bill Plunkett,
Oc Register,
19 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Detonate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detonate. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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