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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of explosive
June 24, CBS News, 24 June 2025
Worried about explosives, law enforcement initially used a robot to check the car.
—Steve Karnowski, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025
Staff and Wire Reports, Boston Herald, 26 June 2025
In a move that could redefine their defensive identity for years to come, the New York Giants selected Abdul Carter with the third overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Carter, widely regarded as one of the most explosive defenders in college football, thrived at Penn State as a do-it-all weapon.
—Victor Williams, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for explosive
Adjective
He was accused of shipping approximately 180 pounds of ammonium nitrate — commonly used as a precursor to construct homemade explosives — to the bomber, who was identified by officials as 25-year-old Guy Bartkus.
—June 24, CBS News, 24 June 2025
Worried about explosives, law enforcement initially used a robot to check the car.
—Steve Karnowski, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025
Noun
The 30,000-pound bomb is comprised of steel, explosive and a fuse programmed to a specific detonation time.
—Staff and Wire Reports, Boston Herald, 26 June 2025
In a move that could redefine their defensive identity for years to come, the New York Giants selected Abdul Carter with the third overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Carter, widely regarded as one of the most explosive defenders in college football, thrived at Penn State as a do-it-all weapon.
—Victor Williams, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for explosive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explosive
Adjective
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Early Friday morning, intense rain caused flash flooding across Texas Hill Country.—
Rebecca Angel Baer,
Southern Living,
6 July 2025
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There were several safety cars during the race, along with changing conditions with periods of intense rain followed by a drying track.—
Nelson Espinal,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 July 2025
Adjective
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On June 25, Monroe officers used a drone to track down a violent offender who had fled into a wooded area, police said.—
Maia Nehme,
Charlotte Observer,
1 July 2025
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Before long, his life is plagued by a series of mysterious, sinister incidents that threaten to upend his success and bring about a most violent demise.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
1 July 2025
Noun
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Rafaela’s bomb prevented the game from getting uncomfortably close when Jordan Hicks couldn’t pitch a clean bottom of the ninth.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Hartford Courant,
6 July 2025
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Iranians certainly do after Trump sent bunker-buster bombs into their most secure nuclear facility.—
Thomas Elias,
Mercury News,
4 July 2025
Adjective
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Designed to withstand intensive training, Lacoste’s abrasion-resistant piqué fabric is made with Ultra Dry moisture-wicking technology for more breathable wear.—
Lauren Alexis Fisher,
Footwear News,
27 June 2025
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Oftentimes, enrolling in an intensive language program qualifies someone for a student visa, depending on the requirements of that country (more on that later).—
Chloe Arrojado,
AFAR Media,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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The Manchester City striker is one of the global game’s most ferocious and intelligent goalscorers.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
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Now, she’s added another competitive event to her list of favorites: F1, or Formula 1, largely considered the world's most ferocious and high-tech form of auto racing.—
Marco della Cava,
USA Today,
26 June 2025
Noun
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More Stories The ideal for submarine commanders is a robot that doesn't need special handling and can be loaded aboard like a torpedo, then launched from a standard torpedo tube and recovered through the same tube after its mission has been completed.—
David Szondy
June 21,
New Atlas,
21 June 2025
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In southwest London’s Royal Bushy Park, a Cold War-era torpedo testing site has been reimagined as a striking six-bedroom home.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
11 June 2025
Adjective
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With so many players in the game, the competition is simultaneously fierce and toothless.—
Todd Fisher,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
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Winds, too, were fierce, gusting up to 70 mph at the lakefront, according to the National Weather Service.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
7 July 2025
Adjective
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Reina, Fil-Am team center back, brings us on this turbulent journey, culminating in an intimate trip to her grandmother’s hometown in the Philippines.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
25 June 2025
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Even Zelensky – who has had a turbulent relationship with Trump – came away with wins.—
Joseph Ataman,
CNN Money,
25 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Explosive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explosive. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.
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