Synonyms of detonation

detonation

noun

ˌde-tᵊn-ˈā-shən 

as in explosion

the act or an instance of exploding

there was a series of detonations around the base of the condemned building, causing it to come crashing down in a matter of minutes

Synonyms & Similar Words

• explosion
• eruption
• firing
• blast
• bursting
• burst
• outburst
• blowup
• shooting
• blowout
• boom
• discharge
• pop
• airburst
• bang
• flare-up
• groundburst

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of detonation

Scaling breakthrough propulsion Unlike conventional rocket engines that rely on subsonic combustion, Venus’ RDRE generates thrust through a continuously rotating supersonic detonation wave inside the combustion chamber. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 8 July 2026

Researchers know that a nuclear detonation in orbit would flood the space around Earth with fast, energetic electrons. — Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 8 July 2026

Slow and steady The most successful transformations look less like detonations and more like construction projects—unglamorous, incremental, and mapped out well in advance. — Claire Zillman, Fortune, 12 June 2026

The unexplained detonation of explosives stored by one of Myanmar’s rebel armies has killed dozens, the militia that controls the village and witnesses said Monday, as the search for survivors continued amid widespread devastation at the site. — Reuters, NBC news, 1 June 2026