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
That timeline may need an adjustment after his monster Starship rocket exploded last week.
—
Andrew Torgan, CNN Money, 22 June 2025
Shortly after, a booster appeared to explode, leading to a complete loss of control.
—Sara Webb, Space.com, 22 June 2025
The nuclear fuel enrichment site at Fordo is buried deep beneath a mountain, and the attack against it used bunker-buster bombs designed to penetrate the ground before exploding, a U.S. official said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss military operations.
—Elena Becatoros, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2025
After dealing for George Pickens with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Bryant thinks the Cowboys’ offense can explode this year.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for explode
Andrew Torgan, CNN Money, 22 June 2025
Shortly after, a booster appeared to explode, leading to a complete loss of control.
—Sara Webb, Space.com, 22 June 2025
The nuclear fuel enrichment site at Fordo is buried deep beneath a mountain, and the attack against it used bunker-buster bombs designed to penetrate the ground before exploding, a U.S. official said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss military operations.
—Elena Becatoros, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2025
After dealing for George Pickens with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Bryant thinks the Cowboys’ offense can explode this year.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for explode
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explode
Verb
-
Bottom sea mines are placed on the seabed and designed to detonate when a ship passes nearby.—
Amira El-Fekki,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 June 2025
-
The defenseless shark is detonated to bits and everyone cheers.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
People.com,
20 June 2025
Verb
-
In the meantime, Aimee Gutierrez, Saint’s owner, and her family have been shattered by the loss and the deaths of the other dogs.—
Sean Emery,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 June 2025
-
These moves have shattered walls that have long kept data within the agencies that collect it.—
Julia Shapero,
The Hill,
25 June 2025
Verb
-
The war between Israel and Iran erupted June 13, with Israeli airstrikes targeting nuclear and military sites, top generals and nuclear scientists.—
David Rising,
Chicago Tribune,
20 June 2025
-
When their faces appear on the billboard, which towers above the Disney Store, the crowd erupts.—
Avery Stone,
HollywoodReporter,
20 June 2025
Verb
-
His shot hit the back of the rim, popped up and dropped in to give the Celtics a 105-102 lead.—
The Athletic NBA Staff,
New York Times,
22 June 2025
-
Countless big names have popped up, including Brady.—
Kevin McCormick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 June 2025
Verb
-
On June 21, Mitchell, South Dakota, broke its daily high temperatures record at 104 degrees, smashing its previous record of 101 degrees.—
Doyle Rice,
USA Today,
24 June 2025
-
Numerous other boats were damaged that day as the powerful thunderstorm churned up waves and sent boats smashing into each other and the marina, according to KCRA-TV.—
Theresa Braine,
New York Daily News,
23 June 2025
Verb
-
Try to find a place that will block blowing or falling debris.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
16 June 2025
-
Dort may not have picked up a foul on this particular play, part of a special second-half suffocation of Haliburton, but there are other moments like this when an official blows the whistle.—
Fred Katz,
New York Times,
16 June 2025
Verb
-
Thirteen years after the nursing home shut down, a developer is proposing to demolish the vacant building and put up 160 apartments.—
Staff report,
Hartford Courant,
18 June 2025
-
Hence today’s strange spectacle: the U.S.-led international order being demolished by the United States itself.—
Daniel Immerwahr,
New Yorker,
16 June 2025
Verb
-
Fort Erie bursts with American tourists in the summertime, but today is empty on a gray May morning.—
Stephen Rodrick,
Rolling Stone,
19 June 2025
-
France’s Nolan Traoré, who burst onto the international scene after sparkling at the 2024 Hoop Summit, was thought of as a potential high lottery pick this time last year, but an inconsistent season playing for Saint-Quentin in France’s LNB Pro A League has slowed his roll.—
David Aldridge,
New York Times,
18 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Explode.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explode. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share