Synonyms of detonating

detonating

verb

present participle of detonate

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• exploding
• blowing
• popping
• bursting
• firing
• shattering
• crumping
• going off
• smashing
• blowing up
• fragmenting
• splintering
• discharging
• shooting
• mushrooming
• burgeoning
• ballooning

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• imploding
• collapsing
• fizzling

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of detonating

To put it simply—detonating nuclear weapons in space can be as disastrous as detonating them on Earth. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 8 July 2026

Many older interceptor missiles use blast-fragmentation warheads, detonating near the incoming missile and destroying it with high-speed metal fragments. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 6 July 2026

With this in mind, NATO ran an exercise in June imagining drones detonating as a ship enters the port. — Anna Mulrine Grobe, Christian Science Monitor, 6 July 2026

In one video a drone runs into protective netting at least 50 feet above the target and detonating prematurely. — David Hambling, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026

Investigators found that Aliji intended to drive a Volkswagen Beetle equipped with fake police sirens and flashing blue lights toward crowds outside the venue before detonating explosives concealed inside a Red Bull can. — Bryan West, USA Today, 28 May 2026

Its material originated during October 1977 sessions at Memphis’ Ardent Studios, where the original lineup — the late Lux Interior, Poison Ivy, Bryan Gregory and Nick Knox — worked with Chilton shortly before detonating the underground rock landscape. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 27 May 2026

While the $25,000 charge is a monthly fee for the satellite connection provided to a satellite terminal, the terminals are being used with drones that only make one-way trips before hitting targets and detonating on impact. — ArsTechnica, 26 May 2026

One culminated last year with abject disaster, with Karl Lysinger detonating his Oak Park house and dying in the process, months after the home was auctioned. — Graham Womack may 18, Sacbee.com, 18 May 2026