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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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 explodes
Helly explodes at him in very satisfying fashion.
—
Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 14 Mar. 2025
Carrizo Plain National Monument Often referred to as California’s version of the Serengeti, Carrizo Plain explodes with color in peak bloom years.
—Allison Palmer, Sacramento Bee, 12 Mar. 2025
Using optimal thermal energy, the laser explodes cell walls at the meristem, effectively killing the weed from the inside out.
—Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 12 Mar. 2025
Saturate Instantly throw a cluster of light that explodes upon contact with the ground, hindering nearby players with a powerful movement and weapon slow.
—Mike Stubbs, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
YouTube has point-blank ruled out a return to original production, even as consumption of the site explodes on TV sets.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 26 Feb. 2025
There is no real Jevons paradox unless energy demand dramatically explodes in response to the lower energy costs of more-efficient machines.
—Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 4 Feb. 2025
But this tranquility explodes when a shocking murder occurs and a high stakes investigation unfolds.
—Lauren Huff, EW.com, 24 Jan. 2025
The worst of the wind - 100mph gusts - are forecasted tonight as the Palisades Fire explodes in size.
—Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025
Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 14 Mar. 2025
Carrizo Plain National Monument Often referred to as California’s version of the Serengeti, Carrizo Plain explodes with color in peak bloom years.
—Allison Palmer, Sacramento Bee, 12 Mar. 2025
Using optimal thermal energy, the laser explodes cell walls at the meristem, effectively killing the weed from the inside out.
—Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 12 Mar. 2025
Saturate Instantly throw a cluster of light that explodes upon contact with the ground, hindering nearby players with a powerful movement and weapon slow.
—Mike Stubbs, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
YouTube has point-blank ruled out a return to original production, even as consumption of the site explodes on TV sets.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 26 Feb. 2025
There is no real Jevons paradox unless energy demand dramatically explodes in response to the lower energy costs of more-efficient machines.
—Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 4 Feb. 2025
But this tranquility explodes when a shocking murder occurs and a high stakes investigation unfolds.
—Lauren Huff, EW.com, 24 Jan. 2025
The worst of the wind - 100mph gusts - are forecasted tonight as the Palisades Fire explodes in size.
—Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explodes
Verb
-
Laughter erupts in the background, as the cheese stretches farther and farther.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Apr. 2025
-
One is public opinion and the perception of corruption in those cases that could be damaging to candidates’ images and prevent them from even being nominated once a scandal erupts.—
Isaac Chotiner,
New Yorker,
2 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
And that’s even before Brian Flynn, long-time Burnley resident and legendary former Wrexham manager who effectively rebuilt the club in the 1990s, pops up to say hello.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
The Athletic,
14 Mar. 2025
-
The next 5-10 year trajectory could matter less if the stock pops in the next 3 months.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes,
3 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Development not only disturbs or destroys the soil, but wipes out habitat.—
Carl R. Gold,
Baltimore Sun,
30 Mar. 2025
-
First, allowing utilities to own generation destroys the competitive market.—
Mary Beth Tung,
Baltimore Sun,
27 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Explodes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explodes. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share