Synonyms of explodes

explodes

verb

present tense third-person singular of explode

1

as in detonates

to break open or into pieces usually because of internal pressure

the building was wrecked when a powerful bomb exploded

Synonyms & Similar Words

• detonates
• pops
• blows
• bursts
• goes off
• shatters
• blows up
• crumps
• smashes
• fragments
• fires
• mushrooms
• splinters
• discharges
• shoots
• burgeons
• balloons

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• collapses
• implodes
• fizzles

2

as in shatters

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

• shatters
• smashes
• demolishes
• blows
• destroys
• pops
• bursts
• detonates
• blasts
• blows up
• annihilates
• decimates
• dynamites
• ruins
• wrecks
• fragments
• discharges
• splinters

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• collapses
• implodes

3

as in erupts

to develop suddenly and violently

the mayor's latest unpopular decision caused long-suppressed resentment to explode into open anger

Synonyms & Similar Words

• erupts
• breaks out
• bursts (forth)
• flames
• blazes (up)
• swells
• flares (up)
• detonates
• proliferates
• skyrockets
• mounts
• mushrooms
• multiplies
• snowballs
• rockets
• waxes
• burgeons
• touches off
• balloons
• blows up

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of explodes

Most concerning for Talarico as Hispanic turnout explodes throughout the state are accounts that Latino men aren’t sold on his candidacy. — W. James Antle Iii, The Washington Examiner, 2 Nov. 2026

In other words, desire, in an unrepressed form, explodes the channels through which it is expected to flow. — Shanti Escalante-De Mattei, ARTnews.com, 26 Oct. 2026

In the video, shared by Nixon on Instagram, Benton, Baranski and others in full regalia (bustles, corsets, the whole nine yards) huddle around the iPad of John Douglas Thompson, who plays Peggy’s father, before the room explodes. — Alison Herman, Variety, 22 Oct. 2026

Simmons can sling it with the best of them — the ball explodes out of his hands. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2026

Finally, extremely drunk, the young writer explodes in rage, then passes out. — Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026

When the gang war that’s been building all along between the Greasers and the Socs finally explodes in the second act, the violence is conveyed through movement, lighting, sound and just all around scenic brilliance. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026

After a pretty knock-down, drag-out fight, Jake uses his dark magic to murder Alexander, who then explodes into a sea of sparkly red CGI confetti. — Kat Pettibone, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Oct. 2026

Continue reading … ‘NEVER-ENDING’ — Huge number of noncitizens found on voter rolls as Mike Lee explodes on 'honor system'. — FOXNews.com, 25 Sep. 2026