explosion

noun

ik-ˈsplō-zhən How to pronounce explosion (audio)
Definition of explosionnext
1
as in eruption
the act or an instance of exploding the explosion of the first atomic bomb at Hiroshima

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
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
3
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 Metro Atlanta has seen an explosion of indie bookstores in the last few years. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 14 July 2026 Why Dana Suskind is sounding the alarm With the explosion of AI, Suskind has grown alarmed by a rush to introduce an unprecedented technology into kids' lives without careful reflection and rigorous scientific study about its effects on young minds. — Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 14 July 2026 If Blue Origin’s latest statement is to be believed, though, the New Glenn explosion is nowhere near as bad a setback as was initially believed. — Chris Young july 12, New Atlas, 13 July 2026 The explosion was attributed to pressurized cylinders inside the vehicle. — Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 13 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for explosion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explosion
  1. eruption
  2. burst
  3. scene
  4. detonation
  5. outburst
  6. huff
  7. blaze
  8. reaction
Noun
  • Francesco was known to be an alchemist who experimented with chemical substances, which could explain the skin eruptions, Giuffra added.
    — Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
  • Because of its location, Goma has been affected by eruptions of Nyiragongo.
    — Chinatsu Tsuji, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 July 2026
Definition of eruption
Noun
  • Caviar is one of life’s great pleasures, delicate orbs full of rich bursts of salty, umami deliciousness.
    — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026
  • The latest burst of activity is tied to a twentieth anniversary edition of Kiss of Death, which arrived earlier this month.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of burst
Noun
  • Even in Moscow, extraordinary scenes are emerging of cars and trucks lining up outside gas stations, with some drivers waiting for hours with no guarantee of being able to fill up.
    — Clare Sebastian, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • The scene between him and TC (Sarah Swire) presents viewers with a peculiar question—what should music written and produced by a vampire sound like?
    — Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
Definition of scene
Noun
  • If Russia moves in this direction, a nuclear detonation in low-Earth orbit could be the ultimate Starlink killer.
    — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 16 July 2026
  • Scaling breakthrough propulsion Unlike conventional rocket engines that rely on subsonic combustion, Venus’ RDRE generates thrust through a continuously rotating supersonic detonation wave inside the combustion chamber.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 8 July 2026
Definition of detonation
Noun
  • There have been other outbursts of violence against immigrants.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 July 2026
  • William also was not inclined to let himself be bothered by Harry’s outbursts over the past several weeks, the authors said.
    — Martha Ross, Mercury News, 13 July 2026
Definition of outburst
Noun
  • Devers walked back to the dugout in a huff.
    — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2026
  • Not everyone feels the same way, however, and some progressive parents and staff are in a huff.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 2026
Definition of huff
Noun
  • The incident was initially reported as a fire, but no first responders reported witnessing a blaze, Crispen said.
    — Phil Helsel, NBC news, 15 July 2026
  • Former patrons of the bar and other mourners visited the site Tuesday, adding to the growing pile of flowers leaning on the guardrails cordoning off the location of the blaze.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 July 2026
Definition of blaze
Noun
  • His instinctive reaction, tearful after losing another final, was to throw in the towel, to announce his career with Argentina was over at the age of 29, to focus on his club career, which by comparison brought him so much joy and so little anxiety.
    — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 19 July 2026
  • So is a reaction against the minimalism that dominated interiors for the past decade.
    — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026
Definition of reaction

Browse Nearby Words

exploring
explosion
explosions
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Cite this Entry

“Explosion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explosion. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on explosion

Nglish: Translation of explosion for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about explosion

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