1
as in detonating
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 shattering
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 erupting
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 exploding
Pai saw how the industry was exploding, how brands such as Maui and Son, Gotcha and Quiksilver were flying off the shelves, inventory gone after the weekend.
—
Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 21 June 2026
Another survey will prompt the telescope to observe one specific region every five days over the course of two years to learn more about objects within the cosmos that change over time, such as exploding stars.
—Eleanor Jacobs, PEOPLE, 21 June 2026
Despite the population exploding tenfold each summer, islanders aim to peacefully co-exist with tourists and birds alike.
—Caitlin Gunther, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 June 2026
Until then, viewers can enjoy the boiling, sometimes exploding, tension between Rob-Will and Rip, the new Jackson-family ranch foreman.
—Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 19 June 2026
Oh Whale excavates Oregon’s infamous 1970 exploding-whale incident through the eyes of journalist Paul Linnman, who broke the story at age 23 and has been answering questions about it ever since.
—Peter White, Deadline, 19 June 2026
In the 1950s, Los Angeles’ population was exploding.
—Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
Raising children has always been expensive, but things have gotten out of hand over the last few years, with the price of groceries, gas, and just about everything else exploding due to inflation.
—Parents, 18 June 2026
Atlanta trailed 25-13 after one quarter before exploding for 34 points in the second, the team's highest-scoring second quarter of the season, to flip the game entirely.
—Christopher Harris, CBS News, 15 June 2026
Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 21 June 2026
Another survey will prompt the telescope to observe one specific region every five days over the course of two years to learn more about objects within the cosmos that change over time, such as exploding stars.
—Eleanor Jacobs, PEOPLE, 21 June 2026
Despite the population exploding tenfold each summer, islanders aim to peacefully co-exist with tourists and birds alike.
—Caitlin Gunther, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 June 2026
Until then, viewers can enjoy the boiling, sometimes exploding, tension between Rob-Will and Rip, the new Jackson-family ranch foreman.
—Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 19 June 2026
Oh Whale excavates Oregon’s infamous 1970 exploding-whale incident through the eyes of journalist Paul Linnman, who broke the story at age 23 and has been answering questions about it ever since.
—Peter White, Deadline, 19 June 2026
In the 1950s, Los Angeles’ population was exploding.
—Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
Raising children has always been expensive, but things have gotten out of hand over the last few years, with the price of groceries, gas, and just about everything else exploding due to inflation.
—Parents, 18 June 2026
Atlanta trailed 25-13 after one quarter before exploding for 34 points in the second, the team's highest-scoring second quarter of the season, to flip the game entirely.
—Christopher Harris, CBS News, 15 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exploding
Verb
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In one video a drone runs into protective netting at least 50 feet above the target and detonating prematurely.—
David Hambling,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
-
Investigators found that Aliji intended to drive a Volkswagen Beetle equipped with fake police sirens and flashing blue lights toward crowds outside the venue before detonating explosives concealed inside a Red Bull can.—
Bryan West,
USA Today,
28 May 2026
Verb
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The brand was already the most searched name on Ulta’s site before the line expanded to the retailer’s 1,500-plus doors in February, shattering sales records and becoming the chain’s largest brand launch ever.—
Danielle Directo-Meston,
HollywoodReporter,
20 June 2026
-
Ratings from the opening match went through the roof, shattering records.—
Michael Lewis,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
Verb
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Their journey to the World Cup has been uniquely fraught, with a war erupting between the host of their matches and their home country.—
Iliana Limón Romero,
Los Angeles Times,
16 June 2026
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His post included a photo of a large plume of black smoke erupting from a field.—
Natalie Neysa Alund,
USA Today,
16 June 2026
Verb
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But the energy was still palpable, with locals sporting soccer jerseys and tourists popping up across the city.—
Jack Flemming,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
-
The eye-popping numbers most associated with Misiorowski come from the radar gun.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
18 June 2026
Verb
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The tension in these tracks are the binding agent for Jane’s fan base — the music is full of contradictions and incompatibilities smashing together that just feel like being young right now.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
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Last week, a group of people swarmed Noureddine Bitat's taxi, stomping on it and smashing its windshield.—
Kelsie Hoffman,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
Verb
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Michael Kleinman, a toxicologist and professor at UC Irvine’s Wen School of Population and Public Health, said the zone from the smoke is very dependent on how fast the wind is blowing and in what direction.—
Hayley Smith,
Los Angeles Times,
21 June 2026
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Jo Adell and Donovan Walton each had three hits as the Angels bounced back after blowing a late seven-run lead in the series opener Friday.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
20 June 2026
Verb
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Indeed, many media observers—inside and outside the network—have gone so far as to suggest that demolishing the status quo seems to be central to Weiss’s mandate.—
Claire Zillman,
Fortune,
12 June 2026
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In February 2024, police gave him and his wife minutes to pack before demolishing their home.—
Sam Mednick,
Los Angeles Times,
10 June 2026
Verb
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The aisles of the big box store of your choice are bursting with pool noodles, sunscreen, Pride rainbow sunglasses, and American flags.—
Jennifer Rosen Heinz,
Parents,
17 June 2026
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The streets were bursting with celebratory fervor.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
14 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Exploding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exploding. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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