exploded 1 of 2

Definition of explodednext

exploded

2 of 2

verb

past tense of explode
1
as in detonated
to break open or into pieces usually because of internal pressure the building was wrecked when a powerful bomb exploded

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in shattered
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 erupted
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 exploded
Adjective
An exploded view shows the Orion spacecraft. — IEEE Spectrum, 29 Jan. 2026 The other imaged nova, V1405 Cassiopeiae, seemed to unfold in spectacular slow motion, taking more than fifty days before finally ejecting all of its exploded material. — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 21 Jan. 2026
Verb
About 55 to 65 feet (17 to 20 meters) in size, the Chelyabinsk asteroid exploded in the air, releasing 20 to 30 times more energy than that of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima, Japan, and generating brightness greater than the sun. — CNN Money, 21 Sep. 2026 After buying one pack of 60 clips, my tomato plants exploded in both height and growth. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exploded
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exploded
Adjective
  • The symbol of an institution that for decades has prepared many of Ukraine’s top public finance officials and ministers sat bomb-blasted and unusable.
    — Howard LaFranchi, Christian Science Monitor, 11 Aug. 2026
  • With more than a dozen varieties grown in and around SoCal, in 2026 alone, heads (of cabbage) will roll if Angelenos can’t get their fix of this vitamin-rich, potassium-laden, calcium-blasted antioxidant VIP in 2026.
    — Rebecca Leib, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Sadiq said two attackers detonated explosives inside the compound Saturday morning and that police had killed six assailants so far, not including the bombers.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Sep. 2026
  • The backpack slid between a victim’s legs and detonated outside a courtroom.
    — Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Sitting by the defense table in a wheelchair during Wednesday’s proceedings, Weinstein looked straight ahead as Haley, 49, told the court in tears that her self-esteem had been shattered by the attack and by having to relive it repeatedly.
    — Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Zhu has lived in four tech houses, and her view of them as utopic spaces for entrepreneurs was shattered by her experience.
    — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 23 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Newsom, a likely 2028 presidential candidate, is very much aware of the harsh backlash to a potential settlement that erupted among Congressional Democrats, A-listers like Mark Ruffalo and others as deal talks accelerated.
    — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Saturday’s unrest came a year after rioting erupted around a right-wing demonstration.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Tracee Ellis Ross favors Udi’s gluten-free bread topped with smashed avocado, lemon juice, crushed red pepper and salt as an afternoon snack, according to a People food diary.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The marrow adds decadence to what appears to be, at first glance, just another pair of smashed patties slipped inside a sesame seed bun.
    — Warren Rojas, Washington Post, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • As a bonus, to fully un-break the Heartbreakers’ circle, Lynch stepped aside from the drums for the final number to let lat his successor, Steve Ferrone, step in for the finale, and 21st-century utility man Scott Thurston popped in as well.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 17 Sep. 2026
  • The New Balance 990v7 popped up suddenly Wednesday on a New York City billboard.
    — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The block that houses Monarch Donuts will soon be demolished as construction starts on a new retail and residential development called the Arcadia Town Center.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Part of the former Bob Jones Shoes building in the Crossroads could be demolished.
    — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 20 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Finally, the structure crumbled in a roar of broken concrete and a cloud of dust.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Varela said his father has been released from the hospital, but his mother remains hospitalized with broken bones.
    — Abby Dodge, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exploded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exploded. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!