detonated 1 of 2

Definition of detonatednext

detonated

2 of 2

verb

past tense of detonate
as in popped
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 detonated
Verb
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 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. CBS News, 28 Apr. 2026 On Friday, two vehicles rigged with explosives were detonated near military units in Cali and Palmira, causing material damage. ABC News, 25 Apr. 2026 Authorities determined that an explosive device had been brought aboard the aircraft, likely concealed in a radio, and detonated shortly after takeoff. Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2026 Genrich had been seen in some of the areas where the 1991 bombs detonated, and lived within walking distance of two sites. Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2026 In March, Polymarket quietly took down a bet on whether a nuclear weapon would be detonated before this year, raising the specter that the site was blatantly incentivizing nuclear conflict. Frank Landymore, Futurism, 9 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detonated
Adjective
  • Astronomically, the Beehive is considered an open star cluster, a group of young stars that formed from the same hydrogen nebula, sprinkled with heavier elements from a long-since exploded star.
    Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 22 Mar. 2026
  • Figure 2 shows an exploded view of this block (shown as part of the data pipeline in Figure 1).
    Sabbir Rangwala, Forbes.com, 26 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Fake images of celebrities like Katy Perry and Rihanna also popped up online during the Met Gala in 2024.
    Dalila Muata, NBC news, 5 May 2026
  • The blond boy followed, plopped down into Floppy Hair’s lap, then popped back up and pogoed away.
    Anna Wiener, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
Adjective
  • With more than a dozen varieties grown in and around SoCal, in 2026 alone, heads (of cabbage) will roll if Angelenos can’t get their fix of this vitamin-rich, potassium-laden, calcium-blasted antioxidant VIP in 2026.
    Rebecca Leib, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Each earbud is made from polished aluminum and housed in a pearl-blasted charging case made from natural aluminum.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Brunson had 27 points by halftime, including a 3-pointer at the buzzer that blew the score to 74-51 and gave him the second-most first-half points in Knicks playoff history.
    C.J. Holmes, New York Daily News, 5 May 2026
  • The Great Gatsby was the first book that kind of blew things open for me in terms of symbolism and deeper meaning and language.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 May 2026
Adjective
  • Above him, the attackers shattered monitors, severed electrical wires and smashed pipes.
    Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The entire place is dedicated to modern popular culture and boasts an eye-catching exterior reminiscent of a smashed electric guitar.
    Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Charles also invoked America's help in rebuilding a shattered European continent after World War II.
    Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Upon arrival, police found the front glass door open and shattered and there was glass everywhere.
    Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Detonated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detonated. Accessed 7 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on detonated

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster