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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of explosive
Quanta Magazine, 8 May 2026
Authorities said the volcano has shown an increase in explosive magmatic eruptions since late March, with nearly 200 eruptions recorded since March 30 and an average of about 95 eruptions a day.
—ABC News, 8 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
Some experts suspect that there may be several volcano archetypes — ones that prefer to throw out lava, for instance, or the especially explosive kind.
—Quanta Magazine, 8 May 2026
Authorities said the volcano has shown an increase in explosive magmatic eruptions since late March, with nearly 200 eruptions recorded since March 30 and an average of about 95 eruptions a day.
—ABC News, 8 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
-
Later, the Moon squares Mars in Aries, which can make the moment feel more intense.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
7 May 2026
-
Keep in mind that Pluto retrogrades happen every year for approximately half the year, but this particular cycle will be especially raw and intense, both at a personal and global level.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
6 May 2026
Adjective
-
Despite the official figures offered and pronouncements made by Mamdani and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, New York City remains a very violent place.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
10 May 2026
-
Landslide tsunamis, like the one that happened in Tracy Arm, are often more localized but also way more violent.—
Jacek Krywko,
ArsTechnica,
10 May 2026
Noun
-
Jimmy’s connection with Tariq, who is missing a leg due to a bomb that also scarred his mother’s face, is rooted in his brotherly love for his father Khalil, Jimmy’s translator, who was killed because of his work with the Americans.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Apr. 2026
-
During a search of Beran A’s property, authorities found bomb-making equipment, per the BBC.—
Gina Kalsi,
PEOPLE,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
There is no specific treatment for hantavirus, but intensive ICU care — including ECMO, which oxygenates blood outside the body — can help patients in severe respiratory distress.—
Eva Flowe
May 8,
Charlotte Observer,
8 May 2026
-
The biggest increases will be to inexpensive, perishable goods such as potatoes and onions, as well as fertilizer-intensive goods such as tomatoes.—
Wes Zebrowski,
Chicago Tribune,
8 May 2026
Adjective
-
The old saying that film does not lie is true here in the opening episode, as viewers get a glimpse at Williams’ basketball skills as a shooter and leaping ability as a ferocious dunker.—
Joe Davidson
May 7,
Sacbee.com,
7 May 2026
-
In July 2023, daredevil physicists outfitted a high-altitude NASA plane with gamma-ray detectors and flew it straight over the core of some of the most ferocious storms on the planet — tropical storms in the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
6 May 2026
Noun
-
The gunner responsible for launching torpedoes had only seconds to choose the exact moment at which to fire.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
5 May 2026
-
The find brings new clarity to a tragedy that unfolded in the final weeks of World War I, when the Tampa was struck by a German torpedo and sank in a matter of minutes.—
Anthony Thompson,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
But creating that space has proven challenging, with plans for two new shelters in the city limits abandoned in recent years after fierce neighborhood opposition.—
Ryan Gillespie,
The Orlando Sentinel,
9 May 2026
-
Wildlife refuges and other nature areas protect 40% of Block Island, and residents are renowned for their fierce opposition to anything that might imperil their pristine Atlantic home.—
CNN.com Wire Service,
Mercury News,
8 May 2026
Adjective
-
The milestone came during Indiana’s season opener against the Dallas Wings on Saturday — a game the Fever ultimately dropped, 107-104, despite a furious offensive performance from both teams.—
Amber Harding OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
10 May 2026
-
And the opponent’s goals came fast and furious in the opening 45 minutes plus stoppage time — especially during the first 26.—
The Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
10 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Explosive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explosive. Accessed 12 May. 2026.
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