Definition of detonationnext
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 The suspect is said to have organized and carried out the detonation of at least four bombs between around 31 to 62 pounds at a depth of 230 feet to 263 feet near the Danish island of Bornholm. — Arkansas Online, 15 Oct. 2026 Such an attack, caused by the detonation of a nuclear warhead miles above the earth, would not have the power to kill people directly. — New York Times, 14 Oct. 2026 The suspect allegedly organized and carried out the detonation of at least four bombs between 14 and 27 kilograms (around 31 to 62 pounds) at a depth of 70 to 80 meters (230 feet to 263 feet) near the Danish island of Bornholm. — ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026 The resulting detonations will result in explosions, flashes of light and clouds of smoke visible from a distance, the Navy said. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 9 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for detonation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detonation
Noun
  • The explosion killed him and fourteen others in his vicinity, as well as the assassin, and injured another forty-three.
    — Sonia Gandhi, Vanity Fair, 10 Nov. 2026
  • That prompted an explosion of vape shops, convenience stores and gas stations that sold hemp, with no regulations on the products or the age of consumers.
    — Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 10 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • The wall itself appears almost entirely black, formed from volcanic basalt shaped by centuries of eruptions and ancient lava flows.
    — Avantika Chaturvedi, Travel + Leisure, 9 Nov. 2026
  • Before Brunson’s eruption, Towns scored 14 first-quarter points to keep the Knicks alongside Cleveland.
    — Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 7 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Detonation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detonation. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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