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
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Recent Examples of explosive
Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 15 June 2025
According to the source, the explosive drones were launched at surface-to-surface missile launchers at the Asfajabad base near Tehran, which threatened Israel.
—Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 13 June 2025
Arkansas Online, 9 June 2025
President Trump's move is just the latest after a momentous week in Washington with the explosive falling out between President Trump and Elon Musk dominating the headlines.
—ABC News, 8 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for explosive
Adjective
The military parade comes amid an explosive conflict between Israel and Iran.
—Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 15 June 2025
According to the source, the explosive drones were launched at surface-to-surface missile launchers at the Asfajabad base near Tehran, which threatened Israel.
—Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 13 June 2025
Noun
In response, agents in riot gear unleashed tear gas, flash-bang explosives and pepper balls.
—Arkansas Online, 9 June 2025
President Trump's move is just the latest after a momentous week in Washington with the explosive falling out between President Trump and Elon Musk dominating the headlines.
—ABC News, 8 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for explosive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explosive
Adjective
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Moster has long been a target of intense scorn in the Orthodox world.—
Asaf Elia-Shalev,
Sun Sentinel,
24 June 2025
-
Beijing is also working to draw Europe closer as the continent faces intense pressure from Washington; for example, China has lifted sanctions on members of the European Parliament and dangled other concessions ahead of an EU-Chinese summit scheduled for July 2025.—
Oriana Skylar Mastro,
Foreign Affairs,
24 June 2025
Adjective
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Swart said another giveaway is the hotel accommodations that are arranged for violent rioters.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
21 June 2025
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Newsom and Trump have sparred over the California protests after the president federalized National Guard troops, arguing local officials were not doing enough to quell demonstrations that at times grew violent, though most protesters were peaceful.—
Andrew Stanton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 June 2025
Noun
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Our massive bombs hit exactly the right spot at each target and worked perfectly.—
Sonam Sheth
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 June 2025
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The attack — which Trump later said was coordinated beforehand with Qatar to minimize casualties — came in response to unprecedented U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities last week, which were carried out with the largest non-nuclear bombs on earth.—
Natasha Turak,
CNBC,
24 June 2025
Adjective
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Meta is also making major investments in geothermal technology as a less fossil fuel–intensive way to generate power.—
Mack DeGeurin,
Popular Science,
19 June 2025
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Apex scavengers are disproportionately affected by activities like intensive livestock production, land use changes and the wildlife trade.—
Sarah Kuta,
Smithsonian Magazine,
18 June 2025
Adjective
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The game needed overtime — the third game that went beyond regulation in the first four contests of the series — because Edmonton mounted a ferocious comeback after falling into a three-goal first period deficit.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
13 June 2025
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He’s been on a like-a-hurricane live roll lately with his ferocious new band the Chrome Hearts, who make their studio debut on Talkin to the Trees.—
Rob Sheffield,
Rolling Stone,
13 June 2025
Noun
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And then visualize zapping this face/tumor/marsupial with golden phasers, thought torpedoes, celestial disintegrators, the full arsenal of your mega-mind.—
James Parker,
The Atlantic,
27 May 2025
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But in 1797, Galvani reasserted his claims using the example of the torpedo, a fish capable of delivering an electric shock.—
Danny Robb,
JSTOR Daily,
26 May 2025
Adjective
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The Supreme Court cases that set off the fiercest conflicts among the justices aren’t always the hot-button ones.—
Dan McLaughlin,
National Review,
25 June 2025
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And competition is fierce: Waymo has elite tech, Amazon’s Zoox is quietly advancing, and China’s Baidu is pushing fast in its home market.—
Jim Osman,
Forbes.com,
24 June 2025
Adjective
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The capsizing was believed to have been caused by turbulent waters from heavy recent rains.—
Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports,
Arkansas Online,
13 June 2025
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In these turbulent times learning how to manage disputes is a must.—
Harvard Business Review,
Harvard Business Review,
12 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Explosive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explosive. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
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