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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of explode
Moscow Reuters — At least one person was killed on Sunday when a gas cylinder exploded in an iconic Moscow toy shop, state news agencies reported.
—
CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2025
Three previous tests, Flight 7, Flight 8 and Flight 9, each failed after liftoff, and another Starship exploded on a test stand in June.
—Tariq Malik, Space.com, 23 Aug. 2025
But a citizen is not permitted, in the current legal climate, to explode federal levees and dams, or to hunt oil and gas executives.
—Nathaniel Rich, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
Even when priests are beefing with rabbis and eyeballs are exploding, Platonic is always real.
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explode
CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2025
Three previous tests, Flight 7, Flight 8 and Flight 9, each failed after liftoff, and another Starship exploded on a test stand in June.
—Tariq Malik, Space.com, 23 Aug. 2025
But a citizen is not permitted, in the current legal climate, to explode federal levees and dams, or to hunt oil and gas executives.
—Nathaniel Rich, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
Even when priests are beefing with rabbis and eyeballs are exploding, Platonic is always real.
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explode
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explode
Verb
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The first nuclear weapon was detonated in secret at Alamogordo Bombing Range in New Mexico on July 16, 1945, inaugurating the Atomic Age.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
7 Aug. 2025
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Bomarc rockets had jets designed to propel a W40 nuclear warhead into high-flying USSR aircraft, which would detonate in the sky, showering the earth with radioactive debris, neutralizing quite a few enemies of American freedom.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Aug. 2025
Verb
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What is there to say when our souls have been shattered day after day, week after week, year after year?—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
14 Aug. 2025
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But true evil transcends death…As Gwen begins to receive calls in her dreams from the black phone and experience disturbing visions, her determination to solve the mystery will lead her and Finn to a snowed-in winter camp and a shattering discovery about the Grabber and their own family’s history.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
14 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The 37-acre search field near Murfreesboro sits atop an ancient volcanic pipe that erupted roughly 100 million years ago.—
Benj Edwards,
ArsTechnica,
19 Aug. 2025
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Unlike Zelenskyy's last White House visit, which erupted into shouting and hampered progress toward achieving peace in Ukraine, Monday's events were more cordial and disciplined.—
Kyler Alvord,
People.com,
18 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Solar panels have popped up on rooftops all around him.—
Betsy Joles,
NPR,
21 Aug. 2025
-
If someone calls, texts, or pops up on screen asking for action, hang up or close the window.—
Michael Cannivet,
Forbes.com,
21 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The woman then allegedly hit the driver’s car with a tire iron, smashed her windows, and threw a brick at her car.—
Saleen Martin,
USA Today,
23 Aug. 2025
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While today’s burger price at Town Topic is $4.95, not much else has changed, according to Waite, who said the beef patties are still smashed thin and fried to achieve crispy edges, just like Sparks and Billings did.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
22 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The foghorn blew every 30 seconds and pelicans sailed above, doing a quick half corkscrew turn before diving.—
Michael Goldstein,
Forbes.com,
16 Aug. 2025
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United’s prospective new owner, Michael Knighton, was on the pitch beforehand, ball-juggling and blowing kisses to the crowd, and Neil Webb smashed one in from 25 yards on his debut — wild stuff, honestly (yeah, get on with it, Grandad).—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Even an old grain silo near the former Nickel Plate train station raised a few hackles when it was demolished.—
John Tuohy,
IndyStar,
14 Aug. 2025
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When a building gets demolished, what happens to all that concrete, glass, stone or metal?—
Sydney Franklin,
The Enquirer,
10 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Bowers burst onto the scene in Las Vegas last season and racked up 1,194 receiving yards on 112 catches (both NFL records for rookie tight ends).—
Mike Jones,
New York Times,
19 Aug. 2025
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Gordon then burst through the line of scrimmage for 19 yards, the biggest run of the day.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
16 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Explode.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explode. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.
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