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
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Recent Examples of explodes
The post also included a video showing aerial footage of a fast-moving boat at sea that suddenly explodes.
—
Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
When Whitney accuses her of lying to cover up her misdoings, everything explodes.
—Tom Smyth, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025
Based on the book by Slow Horses scribe Mick Herron, in Down Cemetery Road, when a house explodes in a quiet Oxford suburb and a girl disappears in the aftermath, neighbor Sarah Trafford (Wilson) becomes obsessed with finding her and enlists the help of private investigator Zoë Boehm (Thompson).
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2025
Eventually, that moment comes when the artist explodes.
—Christopher Claxton, Billboard, 22 Sep. 2025
Momo watches from a distance, and the devastation leads her to crush a piece of Nanoskin in her hand, which briefly forms a heart before melting away as her home explodes behind her.
—Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2025
This type usually forms when a massive star explodes at the ends of its short life and its core collapses.
—Phil Plait, Scientific American, 18 Sep. 2025
Not the kind that explodes into shouting matches, but the silent, slow-burning kind.
—Stephan Lendi, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
As Kevin, a truly reluctant hero who can’t escape his fundamental goodness, attempts to drive the kids and Mary across town, the Camp Fire explodes.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 6 Sep. 2025
Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
When Whitney accuses her of lying to cover up her misdoings, everything explodes.
—Tom Smyth, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025
Based on the book by Slow Horses scribe Mick Herron, in Down Cemetery Road, when a house explodes in a quiet Oxford suburb and a girl disappears in the aftermath, neighbor Sarah Trafford (Wilson) becomes obsessed with finding her and enlists the help of private investigator Zoë Boehm (Thompson).
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2025
Eventually, that moment comes when the artist explodes.
—Christopher Claxton, Billboard, 22 Sep. 2025
Momo watches from a distance, and the devastation leads her to crush a piece of Nanoskin in her hand, which briefly forms a heart before melting away as her home explodes behind her.
—Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2025
This type usually forms when a massive star explodes at the ends of its short life and its core collapses.
—Phil Plait, Scientific American, 18 Sep. 2025
Not the kind that explodes into shouting matches, but the silent, slow-burning kind.
—Stephan Lendi, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
As Kevin, a truly reluctant hero who can’t escape his fundamental goodness, attempts to drive the kids and Mary across town, the Camp Fire explodes.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 6 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explodes
Verb
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Brother Dusk detonates explosives that shatter the cryonic chamber of Cleon clones, bodies raining down in blood and glass, before plucking a single embryo from the wreckage to bait Demerzel’s deepest programming.—
JP Mangalindan,
Time,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Determined to finish the job, Dante detonates explosives on the dam itself.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
24 Aug. 2025
Verb
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In a small town like Harding, a crime involving local children of local families shatters the relatively placid and usually numb routines of daily life.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
16 Oct. 2025
-
Continue reading … HEAT HISTORY – Padres flamethrower shatters MLB record with jaw-dropping pitch in playoff battle.—
,
FOXNews.com,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
During the closing Neilah service after night has fallen, the practice concludes with the cries of the Shema prayer before the congregation erupts into song and dance.—
Krys'tal Griffin,
Freep.com,
2 Oct. 2025
-
When the volcano erupts, Mario and Dani have to navigate its danger and their sentiments for each other.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The display pops outdoors, the camera produces crisp, colorful photos, and Galaxy AI features like quick summaries and cross-app actions make life smoother.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
15 Oct. 2025
-
These pants serve as a fun addition to fall outfits, as the print pops in a sea of blue jeans.—
Mia Huelsbeck,
PEOPLE,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
As Richard tries to kill Carrie, Sigrid shoots him in the shoulder and Lo smashes him in the face with a piece of boating equipment.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
10 Oct. 2025
-
As several women listen intently, Belushi, donning a toga, rips the guitar out of Bishop's hands and smashes it into a wall.—
Mark Gray,
PEOPLE,
5 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
I'mPhaedra Trethan, debating whether put the heat on at my house as the season's first Nor'easter blows into Jersey.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
13 Oct. 2025
-
Amina blows her mom a kiss and then flops down in her crib, pretending to be asleep.—
Daniella Gray,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
If the city demolishes the building, the costs will be assessed to the property owner.—
Frederick Melo,
Twin Cities,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
After a drone strike destroys her home, Alice, a graphic designer in her thirties, finds unexpected love with Vadym, a soldier briefly on leave.—
Annika Pham,
Variety,
13 Oct. 2025
-
Once in place, the device releases liquid nitrogen, reaching temperatures as low as –170°C to form an ice ball that destroys the tumor cells.—
Elizabeth Ayoola,
Essence,
10 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Explodes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explodes. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.
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