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
The Dragon Bravo Fire exploded to 94,228 acres burned, with containment further reduced to just 4%, due to extreme fire activity on the Grand Canyon's North Rim, federal officials said on July 30.
—
Michelle Cruz, AZCentral.com, 30 July 2025
By year three, Samuel exploded for 1,405 yards and six touchdowns, while taking on 59 carries for 365 rushing yards, and eight rushing touchdowns.
—Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 July 2025
Christmas had just passed when the ocean floor 150 miles off the coast of Sumatra exploded to life, releasing energy that is estimated to have been the equivalent of 23,000 Hiroshima bombs.
—Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 30 July 2025
At 41, LaSalle was one of many people who stuck around the rowhouses even as development exploded around the now-vacant lots where the infamous high-rises once stood.
—Chicago Tribune, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for explode
Michelle Cruz, AZCentral.com, 30 July 2025
By year three, Samuel exploded for 1,405 yards and six touchdowns, while taking on 59 carries for 365 rushing yards, and eight rushing touchdowns.
—Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 July 2025
Christmas had just passed when the ocean floor 150 miles off the coast of Sumatra exploded to life, releasing energy that is estimated to have been the equivalent of 23,000 Hiroshima bombs.
—Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 30 July 2025
At 41, LaSalle was one of many people who stuck around the rowhouses even as development exploded around the now-vacant lots where the infamous high-rises once stood.
—Chicago Tribune, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for explode
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explode
Verb
-
The atomic bomb detonated instead above the Shima Surgical Hospital.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
24 July 2025
-
The rule was introduced in response to an unsuccessful attempt by a passenger to detonate liquid explosives on a transatlantic flight.—
Will McGough,
Forbes.com,
20 July 2025
Verb
-
Keenan’s only injuries were from the car’s shattered glass, but Denaro was shot five times and needed a metal plate to replace a part of his skull, which was shattered by the bullets.—
Lynsey Eidell,
People.com,
2 Aug. 2025
-
That sense of serenity was shattered Monday when a man stormed the Midtown building with an assault rifle and unleashed a hailstorm of bullets, killing three people in the lobby.—
Holly Yan,
CNN Money,
1 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Clashes erupted elsewhere in the city over the federal government’s drive to promote Hindi – a language closely tied to the BJP’s northern power base and often seen as central to the party’s vision of national unity and Hindu identity.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
26 July 2025
-
The stadium continued to erupt with cheers as Beyoncé stood in awe, moved by the energy and love surrounding her.—
Caché McClay,
USA Today,
26 July 2025
Verb
-
The precocious musician began studying classical piano at the age of 7 and later pivoted to pop music.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
28 July 2025
-
Yankovic may be best known for writing sometimes topical, sometimes silly alternatives to pop’s biggest hits, but his skill as a performer almost surpasses his wit as a songwriter.—
Courtney Devores,
Charlotte Observer,
28 July 2025
Verb
-
Abraham Toro led off the fifth with a single against Twins starter Simeon Woods Richardson, Anthony drew a walk and Alex Bregman smashed a three-run homer to put the Red Sox ahead 3-2.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
29 July 2025
-
What no one knew at the time was the right engine of the plane had smashed into the elevator shaft, crashing down and severing cables on its way.—
Susan Young,
People.com,
28 July 2025
Verb
-
In other words, keep up or watch your competition blow past you.—
Shep Hyken,
Forbes.com,
3 Aug. 2025
-
Bednar allowed a solo homer, a double, and a pair of singles to blow the lead for the Yankees.—
Zach Pressnell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
After partially collapsing on Sunday, one of the two Eutaw Street buildings condemned by the city’s housing department was being demolished Monday evening, as transportation officials advised that street closures likely will continue through Tuesday’s commute.—
Chevall Pryce,
Baltimore Sun,
5 Aug. 2025
-
And its new chair, Rep. Mike Flood, wants to demolish that assumption for good.—
Eleanor Mueller,
semafor.com,
4 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
An instant later, six-foot-tall flames burst upward in blazing pillars, followed by an intoxicating waft of garlic, lemon and herbs that permeated the air over a crowd of awed onlookers.—
Luis Melecio-Zambrano,
Mercury News,
25 July 2025
-
What transpires is a film bursting at the seams with heart, adored by laymen and critics alike.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
25 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Explode.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explode. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share