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
After a quiet day otherwise, Riley exploded for 33- and 72-yard rushing touchdowns to finish as the game’s leading rusher with 128 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 25 Oct. 2026 Blue dials have been a favorite among watchmakers (and collectors) for decades, but the sheer variety of hues coming out of Switzerland has exploded in recent years. — Robb Report, 24 Oct. 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
  • An operation in Kenscoff In the mists of the steep hills that ring southern Port-au-Prince, CNN saw one Task Force operation where helicopters manned by foreign contractors assaulted gang positions, and drones detonated amid the clatter of gunfire.
    — Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The police response has drawn criticism following an incident last week in which a 15-year-old boy lost his hand and part of his lower arm after picking up a police dispersal grenade that detonated during a demonstration in Lens.
    — Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Georgia voters shattered the state’s midterm record for in-person early voting Thursday, another sign of intense interest in an election that will set the battleground state’s political trajectory.
    — Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 29 Oct. 2026
  • An Associated Press reporter in the southern city of Aden witnessed explosions that shattered windows at the airport building and nearby homes after Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree urged everyone at the airport to evacuate.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • When Vučić conceded defeat, shortly after the polls closed, the crowds on the streets erupted in celebration.
    — Guy De Launey, NPR, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Internal disputes have erupted over how best to expand the business and promote content on the platform to boost audience engagement, according to former Netflix employees and industry insiders who spoke to The Times.
    — Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Officials rushed to restore order after rioters torched buildings and smashed storefronts, in a fraught political climate ahead of next year's presidential election.
    — Ellen Francis, Washington Post, 19 Oct. 2026
  • In one video from the scene, a French official, identified as Aulnoye-Aymeries mayor Bernard Baudoux, is sitting on the ground outside a vehicle with a smashed window.
    — Dana Karni, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Third-string tight end Luke Schoonmaker is also questionable to play with a groin injury that popped up in Thursday’s practice.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Oct. 2026
  • When the meeting concluded, some of the scientists popped their bottles of cava in celebration.
    — Katie Worth, ProPublica, 30 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • A couple years later, on the verge of being demolished and replaced by several new McMansions, fund manager and seasonal Watch Hill resident Charles Royce stepped in to salvage its history.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Trump crammed the Oval Office with gold flourishes, demolished the East Wing to build a sprawling ballroom and converted the Rose Garden into a patio space reminiscent of his Mar-a-Lago estate.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Beetz is phenomenal as a young woman rocked by her own broken family history, willing to put herself in harm’s way to stop Jurek’s terror.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Sculptural and subversive, it’s made from broken windows, melted glass bottles, and is repurposed using old engine oil as fuel.
    — Vy Yang, Architectural Digest, 30 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exploded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exploded. Accessed 2 Nov. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster