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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Continue reading … INTERNAL STRIFE – CBS reporter explodes at top editor during heated meeting over long-delayed 'Inside CECOT' segment.—
,
FOXNews.com,
23 Jan. 2026
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San Francisco Travel Association Color explodes across the walls of Clarion Alley—a narrow passage in the Mission District known for its ever-changing murals.—
Lewis Nunn,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Weather forecast Baltimore After a brief break in the intense cold across Maryland through early Friday afternoon, bitterly cold air blows back into the Mid-Atlantic late Friday afternoon and evening.—
Cutter Martin,
CBS News,
22 Jan. 2026
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Before the new Falcons head coach blows the whistle for the first time, there are already expectations for next season.—
Rod Beard,
AJC.com,
18 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The entire coastline pops up—as if out of nowhere.—
Riza Cruz,
Vogue,
16 Jan. 2026
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Rue is now in Mexico and still in debt to Laurie (Martha Kelly), who pops up to remind her of that open tab after all the drug drama in season 2.—
Nick Romano,
Entertainment Weekly,
14 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Detonates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detonates. Accessed 27 Jan. 2026.
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