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

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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 According to Reuters, laser fusion enables researchers to study how such reactions work and to examine detonation that would otherwise require an explosive test. Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025 The detonation of a powerful nuclear bomb in orbit could not only destroy thousands of satellites, but also swiftly cause the deaths of any nearby astronauts, Samson tells me in the interview. Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025 This detonation will spew material at the other white dwarf, triggering the same devastating sequence. Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Apr. 2025 The same thing happened on Flight 8, which lifted off on March 6 — another chopsticks catch of Super Heavy, another detonation above the Atlantic Ocean for the upper stage. Mike Wall, Space.com, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for detonation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detonation
Noun
  • Martin's son Gabe, hiding alone under a blanket, said the explosion left his ears ringing and smelled like burning batteries.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
  • The explosion of laws meant to protect minors from potentially harmful online content perhaps sounds noble at first glance, but with a second pass the laws read as superfluous.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Volcanic eruptions in the Massif Central gave birth to the granite rocks of the northern Rhône, while layers upon layers of calcareous marine deposits in the south gave rise to prominent sandstone formations.
    Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 18 Apr. 2025
  • In 2021, La Palma was stuck by a volcanic eruption that displaced thousands of people and reshaped parts of the island.
    Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 13 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Detonation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detonation. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

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