Synonyms of explosive

explosive 1 of 2

adjective

ik-ˈsplō-siv 

1

as in intense

extreme in degree, power, or effect

there's been an explosive interest in the sport since the Olympics

Synonyms & Similar Words

• intense
• intensive
• ferocious
• fierce
• deep
• terrible
• violent
• heavy
• furious
• profound
• acute
• vicious
• blistering
• exquisite
• fearful
• fearsome
• dreadful
• vehement
• ghastly
• frightful
• excruciating
• heavy-duty
• hard
• intensified
• keen
• hellacious
• heightened
• almighty
• concentrated
• aggravated
• harsh
• enhanced
• severe
• exhaustive
• magnified
• thorough
• stressed
• accentuated
• deepened
• rigorous
• emphasized

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• light
• moderate
• soft
• weak
• feeble
• superficial
• shallow
• qualified
• decreased
• moderated
• toned (down)
• eased
• subdued
• reduced
• diminished
• lightened
• lessened
• alleviated
• abated

2

as in violent

marked by bursts of destructive force or intense activity

one of the most explosive storms to hit that area of the coast in some time

Synonyms & Similar Words

• violent
• ferocious
• fierce
• furious
• turbulent
• volcanic
• rabid
• rough
• vicious
• hot
• brutal
• convulsive
• tumultuous
• cyclonic
• paroxysmal
• aggressive
• volatile
• tempestuous
• stormy
• blood-and-guts
• bang-bang
• savage
• hammer-and-tongs
• destructive
• knock-down, drag-out
• hostile
• combustible
• contentious
• antagonistic
• frantic
• combative
• barbarous
• belligerent
• pugnacious
• bellicose
• mad
• assertive
• frenzied
• gladiatorial
• truculent
• agitated
• quarrelsome
• ruinous
• cataclysmal

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• peaceful
• nonviolent
• peaceable
• calm
• serene
• tranquil
• pacific
• halcyon
• unaggressive
• nonbelligerent

explosive

2 of 2

noun

as in bomb

Related Words

• bomb
• torpedo
• hazard
• snare
• pitfall
• trap
• web
• claymore mine
• land mine
• ambush
• mine
• net
• booby trap

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of explosive

Adjective

The informants allegedly met with Bowie on Wednesday and provided her with an inert explosive device and an inert handgun along with instructions on how to detonate the explosive, the complaint said. — Jack Date, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026

In July, the US was hit with a wave of explosive diarrhea caused by an outbreak of cyclospora, a parasite that spreads through food and water tainted with human feces. — Maggie Harrison Dupré, Futurism, 20 Aug. 2026

Noun

One of the most concerning things about the situation is that someone left such an explosive just lying around. — Jazmin Alvarado, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026

The jury found Soto guilty of rioting, providing material support to terrorists, conspiracy to use and carry an explosive, and using and carrying explosives during a riot. — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2026