as in exploding
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 detonating
Two Massachusetts men arrested in connection with an explosion Saturday at Harvard University are accused of detonating a firework inside a laboratory locker in a medical building, federal authorities said Tuesday.
—
Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 4 Nov. 2025
Poseidon had been described as a doomsday weapon that is designed to create a massive radioactive tsunami by detonating near coastal targets.
—Abhishek Bhardwaj, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2025
In between detonating bombs hidden in Christmas presents and disfiguring the entire police force, Art sets his sights on the Shaw family.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Oct. 2025
In July 2011, a Norwegian neo-Nazi went on a rampage, detonating a bomb in Oslo, Norway, before opening fire at a Labour Party youth camp on nearby Utoya Island.
—Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 19 Oct. 2025
Russia will test a new laser system designed to take out mines without detonating the explosive devices, state media reported on Thursday.
—Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Aug. 2025
Livingston is angry at Shagan for detonating the bomb without his order, but nevertheless takes advantage of the confusion over Abigail's fate to remove her from power.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 4 Nov. 2025
Poseidon had been described as a doomsday weapon that is designed to create a massive radioactive tsunami by detonating near coastal targets.
—Abhishek Bhardwaj, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2025
In between detonating bombs hidden in Christmas presents and disfiguring the entire police force, Art sets his sights on the Shaw family.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Oct. 2025
In July 2011, a Norwegian neo-Nazi went on a rampage, detonating a bomb in Oslo, Norway, before opening fire at a Labour Party youth camp on nearby Utoya Island.
—Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 19 Oct. 2025
Russia will test a new laser system designed to take out mines without detonating the explosive devices, state media reported on Thursday.
—Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Aug. 2025
Livingston is angry at Shagan for detonating the bomb without his order, but nevertheless takes advantage of the confusion over Abigail's fate to remove her from power.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detonating
Verb
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Down 13 in the fourth quarter of Game 3, Wade fueled an epic comeback win, exploding for 42 points and 13 rebounds, putting the team on his back.—
The Athletic NBA Staff,
New York Times,
11 Nov. 2025
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Its schools are ranked among the best in Texas, and the job market is exploding, with jobs in information technology, finance, and healthcare on the rise.—
Amanda Ogle,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Try to find a place that will block blowing or falling debris.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
8 Nov. 2025
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What To Know In , the Kuskokwim Delta Coast and Nunivak Island are expected to see blowing snow and strong southeasterly winds from early Sunday morning through the afternoon.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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There could be some relationship turmoil popping up for you now and in the weeks ahead, Gemini.—
Kyle Thomas,
PEOPLE,
9 Nov. 2025
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After popping up in Batman Forever (1995), Empire Records (1995), and The Insider (1999), Mazar found a semi-permanent home as Vincent Chase’s publicist on Entourage (2004–2011).—
Maggie Fremont,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Detonating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detonating. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.
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