Synonyms of explosive

explosive 1 of 2

adjective

ik-ˈsplō-siv 

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

• intense
• intensive
• ferocious
• fierce
• deep
• terrible
• violent
• heavy
• furious
• profound
• acute
• vicious
• blistering
• exquisite
• fearful
• fearsome
• dreadful
• vehement
• ghastly
• frightful
• excruciating
• heavy-duty
• hard
• intensified
• keen
• hellacious
• heightened
• almighty
• concentrated
• aggravated
• harsh
• enhanced
• severe
• exhaustive
• magnified
• thorough
• stressed
• accentuated
• deepened
• rigorous
• emphasized

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• light
• moderate
• soft
• weak
• feeble
• superficial
• shallow
• qualified
• decreased
• moderated
• toned (down)
• eased
• subdued
• reduced
• diminished
• lightened
• lessened
• alleviated
• abated

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

• violent
• ferocious
• fierce
• furious
• turbulent
• volcanic
• rabid
• rough
• vicious
• hot
• brutal
• convulsive
• tumultuous
• cyclonic
• paroxysmal
• aggressive
• volatile
• tempestuous
• stormy
• blood-and-guts
• bang-bang
• savage
• hammer-and-tongs
• destructive
• knock-down, drag-out
• hostile
• combustible
• contentious
• antagonistic
• frantic
• combative
• barbarous
• belligerent
• pugnacious
• bellicose
• mad
• assertive
• frenzied
• gladiatorial
• truculent
• agitated
• quarrelsome
• ruinous
• cataclysmal

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• peaceful
• nonviolent
• peaceable
• calm
• serene
• tranquil
• pacific
• halcyon
• unaggressive
• nonbelligerent

explosive

2 of 2

noun

as in bomb

Related Words

• bomb
• torpedo
• hazard
• snare
• pitfall
• trap
• web
• claymore mine
• land mine
• ambush
• mine
• net
• booby trap

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of explosive

Adjective

In the deep ocean, high water pressure can suppress explosive volcanic activity, making eruptions less destructive. — Yook Ji Hun, ArsTechnica, 23 Sep. 2026

This can make the movie frustrating for those seeking something more explosive, because the conflicts in What Remains mostly happen on the inside. — Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2026

Noun

As bomb technicians struggled to disarm the explosive, the FBI raced against the clock to deliver the ransom while simultaneously hunting the extortionists. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 21 Aug. 2026

On Wednesday, according to the complaint, the operatives handed Bowie a gun, ammunition and an inert explosive, then gave her instructions on how to use them. — ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026