EXPLODES Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

explodes

verb

present tense third-person singular of explode

as in detonates

to break open or into pieces usually because of internal pressure the building was wrecked when a powerful bomb exploded

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in erupts

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 explodes Vann instantly explodes, then runs off into the distance, making it across the street before collapsing to the ground where a resident tried to help him with damp towels. —

Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 7 Apr. 2026 There’s an intimacy to it in the verses, and then there’s a big dynamic jump, an octave jump between the verse and the chorus, which just explodes into this hopeful, optimistic thing. —

Chris Willman, Variety, 2 Apr. 2026 In that kind of disaster scenario, the crew capsule separates from the rocket to save the astronauts, and the rocket explodes into small pieces. —

Charlie Gile, NBC news, 1 Apr. 2026 Still, as the AI data center build-out explodes thanks to record-breaking investments, which will hit $700 billion this year alone, some blue-collar roles are rising in demand. —

Jake Angelo, Fortune, 30 Mar. 2026 Scenic designer Matthew Herman created a rectangular center stage with LED panel lighting by Sammy Webster that mimics the flourescent office lights of the past but explodes with color in a surprise dancing-on-the-tables scene. —

Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026 The main weapon that the Ukrainians had used to inflict this damage was the suicide drone, which costs about $400 to make and explodes on impact. —

Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026 Characters will die and the entire lab sometimes explodes, only for things to snap back to normal in the very next episode. —

Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2026 After a great deal of tense verbal sparring, the suspense explodes into violence and terror. —

Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Mar. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for explodes

Verb

After the pass comes to Bridges, who detonates passersby at the basket regularly, White goes straight up, though with a little more oomph than usual.

— Fred Katz, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
Advertisement Christine Adams Courtesy of Apple TV Lang gets off the train and, once at a safe distance, detonates the explosive.

— Barry Levitt, Time, 4 Mar. 2026