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
But Bugonia won me over when that resentment finally exploded into cathartic violence.
—
Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 31 Oct. 2025
The move better positions Flowers’ Crime Junkie for video, which has been exploding in popularity and raking in ad dollars.
—Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 30 Oct. 2025
And that’s just Chat; there are dozens of other services that are also exploding in popularity.
—Caroline Mimbs Nyce, New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2025
The college football coaching carousel exploded in October.
—Jordan Sigler, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explode
Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 31 Oct. 2025
The move better positions Flowers’ Crime Junkie for video, which has been exploding in popularity and raking in ad dollars.
—Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 30 Oct. 2025
And that’s just Chat; there are dozens of other services that are also exploding in popularity.
—Caroline Mimbs Nyce, New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2025
The college football coaching carousel exploded in October.
—Jordan Sigler, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explode
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explode
Verb
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After the initial explosion happened in those production kettles, investigators believe other explosive materials stored on the main floor also detonated, McCracken said.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
25 Oct. 2025
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Preliminary findings indicate that the explosion was caused by a World War II artillery shell that detonated in the apartment, per the police news release.—
Latoya Gayle,
PEOPLE,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Even if a dish is marked safe for use in the oven, if heated beyond a certain temperature, or if a broil setting is used, glass can shatter.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
31 Oct. 2025
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The strength to sit with what shattered before building what’s next.—
Madeleine Marr,
Miami Herald,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
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This gas then erupts from the shell of the comet, casting off solid dust and growing the halo around a comet, the coma, and its characteristic cometary tail.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
31 Oct. 2025
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As the lights came up, the Fort Worth theater erupted with applause as the duo’s name flashed across the credits.—
Brayden Garcia,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
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When needed, just transfer your items, breeze through security, and pop them back in your bag afterward.—
Samantha Leal,
Travel + Leisure,
29 Oct. 2025
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The second interception bounced off the hands of Travis Kelce — the second time this year a Mahomes interception has hit Kelce before popping into the arms of a defender.—
Sam McDowell
Updated October 27,
Kansas City Star,
28 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The solar wind smashes into the leading edge of Earth’s magnetosphere with supersonic speed, creating a shockwave that can come closer than one hundred thousand kilometers to the planet’s illuminated side.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Oct. 2025
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From there, two of the thieves slinked up the ladder to smash a window that leads to the Galerie d’Apollon on the museum’s second floor.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
27 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The Giants, meanwhile, are coming off a painful defeat to the Denver Broncos, after blowing a 19-0 lead and losing 33-32 on a last-second Denver field goal after missing two PATs of their own, including one with 37 seconds left.—
Mike Jones,
New York Times,
26 Oct. 2025
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After the final whistle blew at Memorial Stadium, Kiffin made some headlines for his postgame behavior toward an Oklahoma player.—
Matt Audilet,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Trump exposed a 'loophole' to demolish the White House East Wing.—
Joey Garrison,
USA Today,
30 Oct. 2025
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The ballroom project has stirred controversy, as the East Wing, home of the First Lady’s staff and long a grand entrance for White House events, was demolished to make room for the new ballroom.—
Kate Wolffe
October 30,
Sacbee.com,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Messi picked up the ball from his compatriot Rodrigo De Paul in midfield and burst toward the backpedaling Nashville back line before slipping the ball outside to Luis Suárez.—
The Athletic Staff,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
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The areas facing the sun heat up fastest, and if there is a weaker area on the surface of the comet, sublimated gases under the surface can burst through — causing these sun-facing jets.—
Elizabeth Howell,
Space.com,
24 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Explode.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explode. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.
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