EXPLODING Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

exploding

verb

present participle of explode

as in detonating

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 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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in erupting

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 exploding Meanwhile, Democratic states like Illinois, Washington and Massachusetts are exploding state spending and proposing tax hikes on top earners to fund an ever-growing array of programs and handouts. —

Betsy McCaughey, Boston Herald, 16 Mar. 2026 And Elijah Wood provides a cheeky, bemused-insider vibe as the Danforths’ lawyer, who’s overseeing the technicalities and generally hiding behind a lectern when contestants start exploding. —

Jada Yuan, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2026 All are trying to change their lives, or at least their business plan, including Joyce, a journalist stuck writing clickbait articles for an editor who doesn’t want to know, and Megan Wilding as Nova, an animal control worker who knows something important about an exploding crocodile. —

Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026 The Wolfpack picked a great time for their most efficient offensive performance of the season per Bart Torvik, exploding for 98 points on just 66 possessions. —

Jim Root, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2026 While the cause of the fire at Forsyth House has not yet been confirmed, early reports suggest it may have been started by lithium-ion batteries exploding in a vape shop. —

Irenie Forshaw, TheWeek, 11 Mar. 2026 Afrobeat is global music, Mexicana is exploding. —

Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 11 Mar. 2026 Another theory proposes an exploding star’s shockwave may sometimes smack into nearby material and increase its brightness. —

Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 11 Mar. 2026 Plowden made his presence felt early, exploding to the basket for a dunk before hitting a 3-pointer later in the first quarter. —

Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 9 Mar. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for exploding

Verb

Some mines are programmed to ignore the first ship that passes, detonating only on the fifth, just so that the mine-clearing team goes through safely and the tanker behind it takes the hit.

— Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 13 Mar. 2026
Experts also reported little evidence that Iran is actively resuming its efforts to enrich uranium, let alone building a bomb-detonating mechanism.

— Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2026