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
Both Monahon and Carroll are writing about transformation of the paradigm-exploding kind.
—
Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
Prediction markets have exploded in popularity over the past couple of years.
—Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2026
The war in Sudan broke out on April 15, 2023, when a power struggle between the military and RSF exploded into open fighting in the capital of Khartoum and elsewhere in the sprawling country.
—ABC News, 21 Apr. 2026
This response remained fervent on social media for months after the season ended, then exploded once again when the team traded Reese to the Atlanta Dream shortly before free agency opened.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for explode
Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
Prediction markets have exploded in popularity over the past couple of years.
—Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2026
The war in Sudan broke out on April 15, 2023, when a power struggle between the military and RSF exploded into open fighting in the capital of Khartoum and elsewhere in the sprawling country.
—ABC News, 21 Apr. 2026
This response remained fervent on social media for months after the season ended, then exploded once again when the team traded Reese to the Atlanta Dream shortly before free agency opened.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for explode
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explode
Verb
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The court sided with a soldier who was badly injured when a Taliban operative working at the Bagram Airfield detonated a suicide bomb.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Authorities determined that an explosive device had been brought aboard the aircraft, likely concealed in a radio, and detonated shortly after takeoff.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Word of Smith’s death had shattered his family, especially his father, who can’t believe his son is gone.—
Rocco Parascandola,
New York Daily News,
22 Apr. 2026
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The incredible true story of Takeru Kobayashi — or how a skinny 22-year-old from Japan shattered world records at the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest and catapulted the fringe spectacle of competitive eating into a wildly lucrative American sports phenomenon.—
Hilary Lewis,
HollywoodReporter,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Crews made fast work of a 10-acre fire that erupted in brush in the vicinity of the SoCal Sports complex and Frontwave Arena in Oceanside, briefly prompting an order that people in the area shelter in place Friday.—
Teri Figueroa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 Apr. 2026
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One of the defendant’s friends had a conversation with Velasquez that erupted into a brawl before the defendant charged at the victim and opened fire, the prosecutor said.—
City News Service,
Oc Register,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Before the injury, McAlister’s testing numbers didn’t blow scouts away, and there were already questions about his speed and athleticism.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
27 Apr. 2026
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Season 3 reveals that, since taking over his father Cal’s (Eric Dane) business, Nate has blown through most of his investors’ funds and is essentially broke.—
Allison DeGrushe,
StyleCaster,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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But as anyone who’s dropped a mug knows, ceramics are also brittle and prone to smashing.—
Caitlin Kennedy,
Scientific American,
25 Apr. 2026
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Police said three men wearing masks and all black clothing entered the open business and allegedly used a hammer to smash out several glass panels.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The debate is playing out in Wyoming, a state where many data centers have popped up, including new plans for Microsoft to purchase 3,200 acres of land to expand its data center footprint.—
Jared Gans,
The Hill,
21 Apr. 2026
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Cabo Cabo is popping with new and renovated hotels, further bolstering its front-row positioning as a Hollywood travel mainstay.—
Carole Dixon,
HollywoodReporter,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
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After six years of plans to redevelop the shuttered MetroSouth Medical Center in Blue Island, the owners would like to demolish the building and build a data center on the property, according to city officials.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
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In January, Publix closed its 40-year-old Palms store and by mid-April it was demolished to make way for a bigger, contemporary supermarket.—
Howard Cohen,
Miami Herald,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In the teen’s case, five large keloids abruptly burst from her chickenpox scars, breaking out in different places on her body—on her right jaw, chest, abdomen, and right flank.—
Beth Mole,
ArsTechnica,
24 Apr. 2026
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Amazon’s sale section is bursting with stellar deals this weekend — and these budget-friendly picks are no exception.—
Clara McMahon,
PEOPLE,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Explode.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explode. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.
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