EXPLOSIVE Synonyms: 124 Similar and Opposite Words

explosive 1 of 2

adjective

ik-ˈsplō-siv

Definition of explosive

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

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

explosive

2 of 2

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

Adjective

O'Brien and Bashir were digitally pasted over the original actors in the former, while the latter was explained away by Sisko and Dax's madcap dash to find the elusive explosive tribble. — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 4 Nov. 2026 The resulting materials will better withstand extreme operational environments by dissipating explosive force at the structural level. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2026

Noun

Without the explosives, a land mine is just so much tin, so why not forget about the casing and go straight for the explosive? — New Atlas, 12 Oct. 2026 Winningly, Canadianly, the Ostrich Army had marked these hazards with do not enter tape and traffic cones; the fake bomb was accompanied by a sign reading explosive. — J. B. MacKinnon, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for explosive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for explosive

Adjective

The normally quiet state race became the focus on intense scrutiny because of a pattern of incendiary remarks by French, the former Tarrant County GOP chair.

— Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Nov. 2026
Lara faced intense scrutiny and criticism during his eight years in office from Californians frustrated by rising prices, fewer options and how their claims were handled.

— Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of intense

Adjective

The teen also faces an allegation of having a prior conviction for a violent offense, which qualifies as a strike under California law.

— Richard Ramos, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026
Bass attempted to reverse her fortunes by touting her administration’s progress in reducing violent crime, fast-tracking affordable housing and bringing down unsheltered homelessness — the number of people living outside and in their cars — by 11%.

— Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of violent

Adjective

Highly dependent on capital intensive deployments and leveraged financing, these firms must bring data centers online quickly to service debt with compute revenue and sustain operations.

— , CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026
Google said the Wyoming facility will use air cooling to reduce pressure on local water resources, rather than relying on water-intensive cooling systems.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of intensive

Adjective

The rising, warming sea and ferocious winter storms have battered the road.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
One of the most celebrated objects from the India Museum is a mechanical wooden sculpture of a ferocious tiger gnawing at a British soldier’s throat.

— Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of ferocious

Noun

The reason this sandwich has won my heart more than others in the city is the torpedo of bread they’re tucked into, which sighs and crackles, an entire universe of complexity and depth in its crumb.

— Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 1 Nov. 2026
Their forces tested several anti-ship weapons before a submarine torpedo sent the vessel to the seabed.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of torpedo

Adjective

But many others are unpopular and have faced fierce opposition.

— Joe Heim, Washington Post, 7 Nov. 2026
The once-fierce rivalry, which accounted for five Stanley Cup titles from 1996-2002, has cooled significantly since Detroit moved to the Eastern Conference and the teams have not been competitive at the same time.

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of fierce

Adjective

The Democratic Socialists of America sparked furious outrage after tapping controversial Twitch star Hasan Piker to anchor their election night broadcast.

— Staff, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2026
Exasperated and furious over their inaction, Heumann and a group of disability activists staged a sit-in at the San Francisco Health, Education and Welfare federal building on Apr 5, 1977.

— Barry Levitt, Time, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of furious

Browse Nearby Words

explosions

explosive

explosively

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Style

“Explosive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explosive. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of explosive

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

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