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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 explosive
Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2025
These are simply pipes packed with a couple of pounds of explosive with a time fuze.
—David Hambling, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 1 Sep. 2025
Critics argue that the Dalai Lama’s middle way, which prioritizes dialogue and reconciliation while de-emphasizing mass mobilization, has kept the movement from reaching its full potential and leveraging its explosive strength in the struggle against Beijing.
—Tenzin Dorjee, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explosive
Adjective
During their voyage, the crew is reportedly suspected of diving into the Baltic Sea and attaching explosives to the massive Nord Stream pipelines, which subsequently detonated and damaged both lines, according to the outlets ARD, Die Zeit and Süddeutsche Zeitung.
—Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2025
These are simply pipes packed with a couple of pounds of explosive with a time fuze.
—David Hambling, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
The findings show that one type of SEE is tied to intense solar flares, explosive bursts from smaller patches of the Sun’s surface, while another stems from coronal mass ejections (CMEs), massive eruptions of hot gas from the Sun’s atmosphere.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 1 Sep. 2025
Critics argue that the Dalai Lama’s middle way, which prioritizes dialogue and reconciliation while de-emphasizing mass mobilization, has kept the movement from reaching its full potential and leveraging its explosive strength in the struggle against Beijing.
—Tenzin Dorjee, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explosive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explosive
Adjective
-
During periods of intense rainfall, the risk of flooding increases, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Both require intense concentration, in order to be any good, and diligent practice, and both make use of imagination—which in tennis takes the form of anticipation—and creativity.—
Thomas Swick
September 5,
Literary Hub,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Researchers measured violent and property crime data from 2023, fatal car accidents, drug overdose deaths and excessive drinking rates.—
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 Sep. 2025
-
Alderman Raymond Lopez, a Democrat from Chicago’s 15th Ward, wants Trump to send the National Guard to his city because of the violent crime to which people in his city are subjected.—
Washington Examiner Staff,
The Washington Examiner,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Rollins hit a buckle bomb on Knight and a frog splash on Jey, taking control of the match.—
Blake Oestriecher,
Forbes.com,
31 Aug. 2025
-
That was never more evident than on the 62-yard bomb from Daniels that Henderson hauled in for a touchdown early in the second half.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
30 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Zack recently completed five weeks of intensive training with his handler, Deputy Trisha List.—
Clifford Ward,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Measles, for example, was eliminated in the US in 2000 through intensive vaccination.—
Brenda Goodman,
CNN Money,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
So all of us were just young and hungry and had the energy to be ferocious.—
Miles Socha,
Footwear News,
4 Sep. 2025
-
In the pic, Garfield plays a legendary leader of a ferocious rebellion against the tyranny of King Richard II.—
Justin Kroll,
Deadline,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The Newport News is additionally equipped with advanced sonar to support surveillance as well as Harpoon anti-ship missiles and Mark 48 torpedoes for potential interdiction of surface ships.—
Amir Daftari
John Feng,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Sep. 2025
-
The light torpedoes are designed for shallow coastal waters, while heavy torpedoes target large ships at greater depths.—
Kapil Kajal,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The decision is the latest development in a fierce legal battle over the fate of over 600,000 Venezuelans living in the United States under Temporary Protected Status, which shields them from deportation to their homeland in turmoil and grants them the ability to work.—
Verónica Egui Brito,
Miami Herald,
29 Aug. 2025
-
Especially in areas like the fintech world, where competition is extra fierce.—
Eugenia Mykuliak,
Forbes.com,
29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
After a turbulent few weeks, things only became more tense when Sean McLaughlin and Allyshia Gupta claimed to have information that could destroy the relationship.—
Liza Esquibias,
People.com,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Parubiy embodied Ukraine’s turbulent modern history.—
Katya Soldak,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Explosive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explosive. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share