Thesaurus results for EXPLOSION

explosion

noun

ik-ˈsplō-zhən

Definition of explosion

as in eruption

the act or an instance of exploding the explosion of the first atomic bomb at Hiroshima

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in burst

a sudden intense expression of strong feeling the explosion of patriotic feeling that the country experienced after that momentous event

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in scene

an outburst or display of excited anger the tennis player's expletive-enriched explosions on the court tested the patience of officials

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 explosion There was an explosion of new monuments in Macedonia in the early 2010s, because the nationalist government decided to reintroduce us to our past. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 26 Oct. 2026 This can involve releasing residual propellant, relieving pressure, and discharging or disconnecting batteries to reduce the risk of accidental explosions. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026 When there was a large explosion in the dorms, eyes turned toward Betkowski. — Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026 The two then dramatically lean in for a kiss before an explosion effect engulfs the screen. — Ellise Shafer, Variety, 24 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for explosion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for explosion

Noun

The consultants were meant to serve as independent experts to mediate any disagreements within the agency over what to do about the wastewater eruptions, according to current and former commission officials.

— Nick Bowlin, ProPublica, 27 Oct. 2026
Douglas, who played 44 of the 65 offensive snaps, became the seventh Dolphins rookie in history to catch multiple touchdowns in a game; De’Von Achane was the last, in the 70-point eruption against Denver in 2023.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of eruption

Noun

Berg, working with DP Jacques Jouffret, favors close shots that force us to experience battle much like our heroes do, as confusing, terrifying bursts of mayhem.

— Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026
The heaviness comes from the fact that the artist died in April, at age forty-six, but it’s also embedded in the paintings on view—in the bursts of fire and swirling floods that mark them.

— Dan Stahl, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of burst

Noun

Music scenes were insular; tapes were copied by hand and passed between friends and family.

— Shy Clara Thompson, Pitchfork, 23 Oct. 2026
Soundtracks often work in a similar way—music that’s been composed with the idea of accompaniment, melodies that are meant to join with a story already can work perfectly when one is in the midst of creating a character or scene.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of scene

Noun

Can, say, a circuit board that’s essential to one nuke survive the detonation of another, nearby nuke?

— Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
The suspect is said to have organized and carried out the detonation of at least four bombs between around 31 to 62 pounds at a depth of 230 feet to 263 feet near the Danish island of Bornholm.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of detonation

Noun

The fines could be rescinded if the coaches avoid sideline outbursts for the rest of the season, as the league calls for more civil interactions between coaches, players and officials.

— Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
From harassing Brady over his divorce from Gisele Bündchen on social media to trying to be a rapper and much more, Brown’s post-football life has been one filled with public outbursts and controversial statements and stunts.

— Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of outburst

Noun

The blaze broke out in the kitchen of a ground-level apartment.

— Ashley Paul, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026
Rain that turned into the season’s first significant snow, accompanied by strong wind, complicated the already difficult task of tackling the blaze, and firefighters had to pull out overnight after several hours, officials said.

— Geir Moulson, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of blaze

Noun

The vaccine’s side effects were mainly the sore arm, fatigue and other reactions typical of mRNA coronavirus vaccination, MD Anderson's Tawbi said.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
The vaccine’s side effects were mainly the sore arm, fatigue and other reactions typical of mRNA coronavirus vaccination, Tawbi said.

— Lauren Neergaard, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of reaction

Browse Nearby Words

exploring

explosion

explosions

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Explosion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explosion. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of explosion

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on explosion

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

shindig

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes