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
Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 30 May 2026
Increasingly petulant persona aside, EXPERIMENTAL RAP once again proves just how explosive JPEG is as a producer.
—Dylan Green, Pitchfork, 29 May 2026
Anna Meiler, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
Prince is an explosive running back who has ideal short-area quickness.
—Omar Kelly
april 20, Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for explosive
Adjective
Between explosive chase scenes and sword-fighting, Teela's inner sensitivity and pain are exposed most in her relationship with her on-screen father, Duncan, played by Idris Elba, who previously served as the captain of the Royal Guard before going down a darker path.
—Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 30 May 2026
Increasingly petulant persona aside, EXPERIMENTAL RAP once again proves just how explosive JPEG is as a producer.
—Dylan Green, Pitchfork, 29 May 2026
Noun
Logan David Patterson, 18, of Plymouth, and 21-year-old Dominick Frank Cardoza of Bourne, each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to damage a building by means of fire and an explosive.
—Anna Meiler, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
Prince is an explosive running back who has ideal short-area quickness.
—Omar Kelly
april 20, Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for explosive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explosive
Adjective
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But today’s wars of words seem designed to fuel intense polarization, not to change minds.—
Lisa Pavia-Higel,
The Conversation,
27 May 2026
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Big tech giants including Microsoft, Google, and Amazon have prioritized growing their chips business to rely less on AI chipmaker Nvidia, who reported a strong first quarter last week, even as competition is getting more intense from rivals including Advanced Micro Devices and Broadcom.—
John Kell,
Fortune,
27 May 2026
Adjective
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His predecessor, Hailemariam Desalegn, had overseen strong economic growth during his nearly six-year rule but continued a historical pattern of using violent crackdowns to crush dissent.—
Nimi Princewill,
CNN Money,
31 May 2026
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That was in March of 2011, when pro-democracy protests against the regime of President Bashar al-Assad led to a violent government crackdown and civil war.—
Jon LaPook,
CBS News,
31 May 2026
Noun
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Trapped and cut off from any outside help, Sylvie is forced to follow the terrorist’s instructions, her every move watched, and with no choice but to deliver the ticking bomb to its target — the Royal Albert Hall.—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
26 May 2026
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The bomber leg also includes nuclear gravity bombs such as the B61 family.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
26 May 2026
Adjective
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For Paul, dragging long sheets of metal was intensive.—
Tabitha Parent,
PEOPLE,
29 May 2026
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Distillation is a process in which a small, less resource-intensive model learns to mimic a large, expensive one.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
28 May 2026
Adjective
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Claude Lemieux, a four-time Stanley Cup champion whose ferocious, hard-hitting style of play angered opponents and sometimes overshadowed his prodigious skills and ability to deliver in the biggest games, has died after taking his own life, according to authorities.—
Stephen Whyno,
Los Angeles Times,
28 May 2026
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Despite the ferocious domestic rivalries, the Tartan Army is considered among the world’s friendliest football fans, known for singing and mingling instead of brawling (even if only while their national team is playing).—
Laura Dannen Redman,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 May 2026
Noun
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Its armament also includes a 127 mm naval gun, torpedo launchers, and Goalkeeper close-in weapon systems for missile defense.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
28 May 2026
-
The investigation proposes the 50cm by 50cm hole in the Ursa Major’s hull would likely have been made by a Barracuda supercavitating torpedo.—
Pau Mosquera,
CNN Money,
12 May 2026
Adjective
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Reddit is home to many of Civilization VII’s fiercest critics, but Test of Time also appears to be well received there, too.—
Barry Collins,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
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She will be remembered for her loving generosity, fierce opinions, endless curiosity, unique style, and her powdered, almond, crescent cookies at Christmas, hence her name, Auntie Cookie.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
31 May 2026
Adjective
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Before the playoff the pair had to fight off a furious charge from last year’s winner, Ben Griffin, who started the day off in 19th place but had the final day’s best round at 5-under 65.—
Lawrence Dow,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
31 May 2026
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The 24-year-old infielder launched a two-run home run off the Orioles’ Trevor Rogers in the seventh inning of the Blue Jays’ furious come-from-behind 6-5 win in Baltimore.—
Jon Becker,
Mercury News,
30 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Explosive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explosive. Accessed 1 Jun. 2026.
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