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
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 Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis says reaching the center of the wreckage at the exploded ammunition plant will be slow and complex. Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
Because of the vast amount of money being thrown into these markets, semantic debates have exploded into financial ones. Jon Sarlin, CNN Money, 11 July 2026 As in France, trade unions exploded with rage, and sustained protests and strikes have taken place periodically for months. Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 11 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for exploded
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exploded
Adjective
  • 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
  • Each earbud is made from polished aluminum and housed in a pearl-blasted charging case made from natural aluminum.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The estate played the home of Rose Byrne’s hoity-toity Helen Harris III in Bridesmaids (the backyard is where Kristen Wiig’s Annie detonated mid-bridal-shower, cookie in hand).
    David Hochman, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • Last week, an explosive device detonated in a cafe near Damascus' main judicial complex, killing at least 10 people and wounding more than 20.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 July 2026
Verb
  • In the summer of 2024, Svalbard shattered previous ice melt records, losing more than 60 gigatons of ice, around 1% of its total, as temperatures spiked 7 degrees Fahrenheit above average.
    Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 10 July 2026
  • The surge shattered a four-year-old record of 99,445 GWh set back in July 2022.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026
Verb
  • About 400 firefighters worked to contain the flames, which erupted just ahead of a July 14 national holiday and on the first major weekend for departures for the summer holiday season.
    CBS News, CBS News, 13 July 2026
  • The Cape Verde supporters also erupted in the 62nd minute when their beloved 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha denied Messi at point-blank range.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026
Adjective
  • The general reaction to the policy has been overwhelmingly positive, Xue said, aside from some remarks on social media that charging for a smashed teacup was a petty move.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • Roughly chop the smashed cucumbers before tossing them with the vinaigrette.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • Eli White popped a ball up to shallow center field for what should have been the third out.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 5 July 2026
  • This time, Arsenal popped City 5-1 and Gabriel very much enjoyed laughing and celebrating in Haaland’s face.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
Verb
  • West Harbor is the redevelopment of the former waterfront Ports O'Call Village, which was demolished in 2018.
    Julie Sharp, CBS News, 14 July 2026
  • The two-acre space was the site of the California State Building, which suffered systemic damage in the 1971 Sylmar earthquake and was demolished five years later.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2026
Adjective
  • Divine intervention can’t repair the broken social bonds that Odysseus and Penelope (Anne Hathaway) blame for the fall of civilization.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 17 July 2026
  • In 2023, after a park visitor noticed a broken Fury 325 support beam, the coaster closed for six weeks that summer.
    Catherine Muccigrosso July 17, Charlotte Observer, 17 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exploded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exploded. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on exploded

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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