Thesaurus results for 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

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of detonation The focus at the Thursday bail hearing centered on Samuel Machado and his alleged role in the detonation of about 1 million pounds of fireworks at the Esparto compound. —

Sacbee.com, 16 Apr. 2026 Even before the first atomic detonation at the Trinity test, James Franck, Eugene Rabinowitch, Leo Szilard and others issued a report warning of the far-reaching consequences of unleashing the atomic bomb, highlighting the dangers of a nuclear arms race. —

Daniel Holz, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026 The group Christians for Israel said the detonation targeted its Israel Center in Nijkerk and was caused by an explosive device. —

ABC News, 4 Apr. 2026 Using a converted container ship, the IRGC fired a ballistic missile to simulate a high-altitude electromagnetic pulse (EMP) detonation. —

Chuck Devore, Twin Cities, 22 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for detonation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for detonation

Noun

In 1985, an explosion in the basement of a Ross department store—caused by an unventilated buildup of methane gas underneath the store—razed several city blocks and injured twenty-three people.

— Oren Peleg, New Yorker, 9 May 2026
In 1992, a buildup of methane gas and coal dust triggered a massive explosion in the Westray Mine in Nova Scotia, Canada, killing 26 coal miners.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026