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
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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
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of explode
Intense recriminations followed the disaster after reports that local governments hadn’t taken many basic, relatively inexpensive steps to reduce the flammable vegetation that helps wildfires explode.
—
U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 May 2025
The last two tests ended when the spacecraft’s first stage exploded.
—Alex Knapp, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
The theory exploded into public consciousness in February after Sammi Tannor Cohen (@sammicohentalks) and co-creator @thebestmarketingnewsletterever posted a Substack essay and subsequent Instagram post on the subject.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
During the two most recent Starship launches, the vehicle's upper stage exploded over the Atlantic Ocean, showering chunks of debris across a wide stretch and creating a artificial meteor shower for people across The Bahamas and Florida's Space Coast.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for explode
U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 May 2025
The last two tests ended when the spacecraft’s first stage exploded.
—Alex Knapp, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
The theory exploded into public consciousness in February after Sammi Tannor Cohen (@sammicohentalks) and co-creator @thebestmarketingnewsletterever posted a Substack essay and subsequent Instagram post on the subject.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
During the two most recent Starship launches, the vehicle's upper stage exploded over the Atlantic Ocean, showering chunks of debris across a wide stretch and creating a artificial meteor shower for people across The Bahamas and Florida's Space Coast.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for explode
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explode
Verb
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On Saturday morning, a bomb was detonated at American Reproductive Centers in Palm Springs, destroying much of the building, injuring four people and killing the bomber.—
Paige St. John,
Los Angeles Times,
20 May 2025
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Like many Americans, Dr. Garwin grew concerned when Moscow that summer detonated its first atom bomb.—
William J. Broad,
New York Times,
19 May 2025
Verb
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But the illusion of paradise is shattered when another guest is found dead and Gabriel becomes the prime suspect.—
Laura Thompson,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
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The event shattered the records for participation in a online chess game, passing the previous record of 70,000 set for the ‘Vishy vs. The World’ last year.—
Ben Morse,
CNN Money,
21 May 2025
Verb
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Violent riots erupted across the U.K. after the attack, in which mosques and migrant accommodation were largely targeted.—
Callum Sutherland,
Time,
27 May 2025
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Kirst, who did not notch a goal or an assist in the team’s 11-9 win against No. 5 seed Penn State on Saturday, erupted for game highs in both goals (six) and points (seven).—
Edward Lee,
Baltimore Sun,
26 May 2025
Verb
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Short-sleeve shift dresses are popping up in multiple celebs’ wardrobes lately.—
Jamie Allison Sanders,
People.com,
17 May 2025
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Similar bazaars have been popping up here and there over the past year, often in the more affluent suburbs of the tristate area.—
Kaitlyn Tiffany,
The Atlantic,
17 May 2025
Verb
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The crash came a little over a year after the Dali, a 984-foot-long cargo ship, lost power while departing Baltimore’s harbor and smashed into the Key Bridge, killing six people and destroying critical infrastructure.—
N'dea Yancey-Bragg,
USA Today,
19 May 2025
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During a Freshman All-American season at Sac State in 2023, Smith smashed 14 home runs and nine doubles to go with 45 RBIs.—
Joe Davidson,
Sacbee.com,
18 May 2025
Verb
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That’s just the beginning, though—keep scrolling for more deals sure to blow you away (no pun intended).—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
23 May 2025
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The weather can play a role too; rain can wash pollen from the air, while a windy day can blow it around, increasing your allergy symptoms.2 How Can You Prevent Allergy Symptoms?—
Kelly Burch Published,
Verywell Health,
23 May 2025
Verb
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Facing greater competition and sensing more opportunity, the owners decided to close the hotel at the end of May and demolish the building next year.—
Vinod Sreeharsha,
Miami Herald,
20 May 2025
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Its current office building in the area would be demolished.—
Chris Higgins,
Kansas City Star,
20 May 2025
Verb
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Broadcast integrations included Stitch bursting onto the sets of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune and SportsCenter.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
25 May 2025
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The appendix can burst within 24 hours or less of symptoms starting.—
Brandi Jones,
Health,
17 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Explode.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explode. Accessed 30 May. 2025.
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