DETONATE Synonyms: 21 Similar and Opposite Words

detonate

verb

ˈde-tᵊn-ˌāt

Definition of detonate

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

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 detonate If the ammunition detonates after penetration, the explosion is directed away from the crew compartment, significantly improving the crew’s chances of survival. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 30 June 2026 At least four people were killed after an explosive device was detonated in a Damascus cafe Thursday, Syria's Interior Ministry said. — ABC News, 2 July 2026 On June 9, explosives planted under a BMW detonated as the driver began leaving a parking lot, according to independent Russian outlet The Insider. — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026 It is now surrounded by fencing and ominous signs that read DANGER EXPLOSIVES and show a bomb being detonated. — Matt Viser, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for detonate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for detonate

Verb

With no natural predators and the ability to breed year-round, their populations have exploded over the decades.

— Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
In early January 2025, weeks after UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was gunned down on the streets of New York City, a monstrous wildfire exploded in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles.

— Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 5 July 2026

Definition of explode

Verb

One interception attempt resulted in a large explosion that spectacularly blew the roof off a fuel tank.

— Clare Sebastian, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
After the final whistle blew and this Norway team had made history, Haaland took a moment and looked into the Norwegian cheering section, trying to process what had just happened.

— Tim Rohan, NBC news, 6 July 2026

Definition of blow

Verb

Gas stations across Russia are imposing limits on purchases, CNN’s analysis found, with fuel- tracking websites popping up to guide drivers to the best spots to fill up.

— Clare Sebastian, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
The supermodel was one of the most surprising people to make the guest list, causing pandemonium amongst Swifties and pop culture nerds alike when she was photographed heading to the wedding in a gorgeous gold silk gown (what a gold rush).

— Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 6 July 2026

Definition of pop

Browse Nearby Words

dethroning

detonate

detonated

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“Detonate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detonate. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of detonate

verb

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