Synonyms of explode

explode

verb

ik-ˈsplōd 

1

as in to detonate

to break open or into pieces usually because of internal pressure

the building was wrecked when a powerful bomb exploded

Synonyms & Similar Words

• detonate
• blow
• pop
• burst
• go off
• blow up
• shatter
• crump
• smash
• fragment
• fire
• splinter
• shoot
• discharge
• balloon
• mushroom
• burgeon

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• implode
• collapse
• fizzle

2

as in to shatter

to cause to break open or into pieces by or as if by an explosive

the bomb was so powerful that it exploded windows in several neighboring buildings

Synonyms & Similar Words

• shatter
• smash
• demolish
• blow
• burst
• destroy
• pop
• blast
• detonate
• blow up
• annihilate
• dynamite
• ruin
• wreck
• decimate
• fragment
• discharge
• splinter

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• collapse
• implode

3

as in to erupt

to develop suddenly and violently

the mayor's latest unpopular decision caused long-suppressed resentment to explode into open anger

Synonyms & Similar Words

• erupt
• burst (forth)
• break out
• flare (up)
• flame
• swell
• blaze (up)
• skyrocket
• detonate
• rocket
• proliferate
• mount
• multiply
• snowball
• wax
• mushroom
• balloon
• touch off
• blow up
• burgeon

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of explode

Fireworks exploded over Ryan Field, and a light smoke filled the stadium as the celebration continued. — Shun Graves, Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2026

The district has exploded in population in recent years, too. — Saige Miller, NPR, 4 Oct. 2026

This dynamic exploded in 2021 with Beeple’s $69 million sale to the crypto financier Vignesh Sundaresan, also known as MetaKovan, at Christie’s. — Simon Denny, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026

If civilian use of wireless technologies is exploding, military applications are also rising, and everything from drones to armored vehicles is now part of the larger set of attack units. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2026