as in explodes
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 detonates
Brother Dusk detonates explosives that shatter the cryonic chamber of Cleon clones, bodies raining down in blood and glass, before plucking a single embryo from the wreckage to bait Demerzel’s deepest programming.
—
Jp Mangalindan, Time, 12 Sep. 2025
Determined to finish the job, Dante detonates explosives on the dam itself.
—EW.com, 24 Aug. 2025
Toussaint is killed in the penultimate episode after Shagan detonates a bomb on Saskia’s computer.
—Nicole Briese, People.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Welcome to the Engineered Dreamscape Placemaking takes empty space and detonates it with story, spectacle and seduction.
—Bob Bonniol, Rolling Stone, 13 Aug. 2025
The supernova detonates, unleashing an expanding wave of light.
—Phil Plait, Scientific American, 7 Aug. 2025
Jp Mangalindan, Time, 12 Sep. 2025
Determined to finish the job, Dante detonates explosives on the dam itself.
—EW.com, 24 Aug. 2025
Toussaint is killed in the penultimate episode after Shagan detonates a bomb on Saskia’s computer.
—Nicole Briese, People.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Welcome to the Engineered Dreamscape Placemaking takes empty space and detonates it with story, spectacle and seduction.
—Bob Bonniol, Rolling Stone, 13 Aug. 2025
The supernova detonates, unleashing an expanding wave of light.
—Phil Plait, Scientific American, 7 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detonates
Verb
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Morrissey explodes the comparatively respectable conventions of prior Frankenstein adaptations by embracing the deranged erotic and fascist implications of building and breeding new life.—
Rory Doherty,
Vulture,
20 Oct. 2025
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The post also included a video showing aerial footage of a fast-moving boat at sea that suddenly explodes.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
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I'mPhaedra Trethan, debating whether put the heat on at my house as the season's first Nor'easter blows into Jersey.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
13 Oct. 2025
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Amina blows her mom a kiss and then flops down in her crib, pretending to be asleep.—
Daniella Gray,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The display pops outdoors, the camera produces crisp, colorful photos, and Galaxy AI features like quick summaries and cross-app actions make life smoother.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
15 Oct. 2025
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These pants serve as a fun addition to fall outfits, as the print pops in a sea of blue jeans.—
Mia Huelsbeck,
PEOPLE,
14 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Detonates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detonates. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.
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