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

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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

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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

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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 Mortars, or large, powerful fireworks that explode high in the air. Quinn Clark, jsonline.com, 17 July 2025 The announcement comes two weeks after an unpermitted fireworks warehouse exploded in Esparto, killing seven people. Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2025 This can include exploding upward with a vertical jump, bounding side to side, or swiftly changing directions. Jenny McCoy, SELF, 15 July 2025 What Is Happening in Cape Coral? Cape Coral's housing market exploded during the pandemic, when thousands of out-of-state newcomers flocked to the relatively affordable Florida paradise, snatching up for-sale homes and driving up prices. Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for explode
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explode
Verb
  • During an operation by the Northern Brigade, explosive devices were detonated against IDF ground troops who were operating in the area, IDF officials told Fox News Digital.
    Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 8 July 2025
  • Richard Reid did not detonate the explosive and the plane landed in Boston after passengers subdued him.
    Patricia Gallagher Newberry, The Enquirer, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • But the resulting scandal shatters her reputation, as well as that of Nina’s teenage daughter, Clara.
    Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 9 July 2025
  • In those terrifying moments, Ryan shattered a window in a final attempt to get his family out.
    Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 6 July 2025
Verb
  • That tension would soon erupt into one of the most consequential gender equity battles in modern NCAA history.
    Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 14 July 2025
  • The whole table erupted into a debate about the war—one that everyone claimed to be against, even though one family member is a combat medic and another is enlisting.
    Guy Ben-Aharon, The Atlantic, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • While he's acted in many of his own projects, Perry occasionally pops up in the films of other directors, with notable roles including Alex Cross (2012), Gone Girl (2014), Vice (2018), and Don't Look Up (2021).
    Allison DeGrushe Published, EW.com, 15 July 2025
  • Kids can pop one in the microwave for about 7-10 minutes, depending on size, and then again, add their favorite topping or a completely customizable meal.
    Stephanie Ganz, Parents, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Security then pulled Paul from the ring, but not before destroyed Jelly’s music equipment, smashing guitars, pushing over amps, and trashing the drum set.
    Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 13 July 2025
  • Back came Gunther, and both wrestlers smashed into each other, shoulder-first.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • Some of the clips have also already begun to go viral including one of Chase’s gazelle-like movement and another of Hill blowing by Smith-Njigba in coverage.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 10 July 2025
  • Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • It was held at Isaza’s grandparents’ house, which was about to be demolished.
    Sigal Ratner-Arias, Billboard, 10 July 2025
  • An existing, 38,000-square-foot building on the site will be demolished in that development.
    Corina Vanek, AZCentral.com, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • Bubbly, bittersweet, and bursting with untapped potential, a bottle of tonic water is the key to a whole summer of compelling cocktails.
    Amiel Stanek, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 July 2025
  • Figuring jets of water springing from pools turned oval by perspective, arches also reminiscent of its headquarters seem to burst to life against the skin.
    Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 10 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Explode.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explode. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.

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