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
Relevance
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
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 explode
Over the last season, both Jalen and Josh's careers have exploded in popularity.
—
Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026
The shirt’s massive estimate shows just how much the world of sports memorabilia has exploded over the last couple decades.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 3 June 2026
On the surface, things carry on more or less like before, but both the wealth itself, and the knowledge of it, threatens to explode the social democratic order.
—Ola Morris Innset, The Dial, 2 June 2026
What started as a limited menu has exploded with options to please Bay Area palates.
—Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for explode
Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026
The shirt’s massive estimate shows just how much the world of sports memorabilia has exploded over the last couple decades.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 3 June 2026
On the surface, things carry on more or less like before, but both the wealth itself, and the knowledge of it, threatens to explode the social democratic order.
—Ola Morris Innset, The Dial, 2 June 2026
What started as a limited menu has exploded with options to please Bay Area palates.
—Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for explode
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explode
Verb
-
Authorities allege Roberts detonated both devices in a rock quarry area to test them.—
Ben Wheeler,
Kansas City Star,
3 June 2026
-
The explosive detonated in Biak Numfor Regency in Indonesia's Papua Province on Sunday, May 31, leaving at least five people dead and five others hospitalized with injuries, The Jakarta Globe and Antara reported, citing local authorities.—
Bailey Richards,
PEOPLE,
31 May 2026
Verb
-
Over the prairie there would be lightning that evening, dropping in shattering bolts from swollen purple clouds.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 June 2026
-
Standard polystyrene shattered or punctured easily under the stress.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
3 June 2026
Verb
-
With California facing increasingly destructive wildfires, experts and officials have long urged the strategic removal of dense, flammable vegetation that can erupt into particularly destructive flames from a lightning bolt or the spark of a power line.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
-
So Arsenal wasn't even playing on May 19, when a tie in a match between Manchester City and AFC Bournemouth meant the overall math ensured the Gunners' victory — and North London erupted into a sea of red Arsenal jerseys.—
Lauren Frayer,
NPR,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
Somewhere a hand was raised, a whistle was blown, and all at once the butchers were out of their stalls, assembling in the aisles.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 June 2026
-
The Washington Nationals used Richard Lovelady, who blew Monday’s series opener, as an opener, followed by veteran Miles Mikolas for a bulk appearance, their most promising combination given their roster construction and arms available.—
Danielle Allentuck,
Washington Post,
3 June 2026
Verb
-
The men would brandish firearms and smash car windows before demanding that the victim hand over the money.—
Ruben Vives,
Los Angeles Times,
5 June 2026
-
Every day, there are news reports of hundreds of people rioting in cities across our country — windows being smashed, merchandise stolen, police vehicles damaged and people being attacked and injured.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
4 June 2026
Verb
-
Extra touches include a long row of international power outlets that pop up out of the desk, dental and shaving kits in bathrooms, as well as garment bags to take home in the closet.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
Thanks in advance for any insights & perspective that may pop from this and, as always, keep up the awesome work.—
Joe Kinsey OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
Two other properties were purchased in 2024, one of which was a barbershop that was demolished, and a third property was purchased in 2025.—
Delia Rose Sauer,
Miami Herald,
29 May 2026
-
Before filing plans to demolish the building within the next two weeks, Kennedy planned Thursday night’s event to honor the structure.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
The band whipping through Connecticut this week that really can’t be said to have burst from a large previously existing musical genre.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
6 June 2026
-
Nearly three decades after Lara first burst onto screens, Legacy of Atlantis aims to honor the spirit of the original adventure while expanding the character for modern audiences.—
Destiny Jackson,
Deadline,
6 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Explode.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explode. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
