explosive 1 of 2

adjective

ik-ˈsplō-siv How to pronounce explosive (audio)
Definition of explosivenext
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

explosive

2 of 2

noun

as in bomb

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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
Russian officials denied involvement in placing an explosive-laden drone near an airport runway at Leipzig/Halle in August. — Michael Loria, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026 The Leipzig-area airport briefly closed in early August after German authorities found an explosive-laden drone along with a detonator at the facility, which is also where Ukrainian transport aircraft frequently land. — Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 1 Sep. 2026
Noun
The combo of Robinson and Micahi Danzy could make FSU’s passing game explosive. — Andre C. Fernandez, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2026 Washington rewrites its wildfire rules In Spokane, dry conditions and extreme weather set the stage for the explosive wildfires in August. — Lauren Sommer, NPR, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for explosive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explosive
  1. intense
  2. violent
  3. bomb
  4. intensive
  5. ferocious
  6. torpedo
  7. fierce
  8. furious
Adjective
  • Broadly, the rule of thumb is to drink it during periods of intense competition (to allow for muscle recovery) while avoiding it during periods of training (to promote muscle development).
    — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Expect Missouri to come out sharper and fired up, as both teams will be for this intense rivalry.
    — PJ Green September 8, Kansas City Star, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of intense
Adjective
  • In the days since, the incident has sparked another round of reckoning with safety for LGBTQ people in Sacramento’s Lavender Heights neighborhood, which has seen a number of violent incidents in recent years.
    — Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Scientists hoped the probe would help build a geologic history of the moon to better understand its violent origins in a cosmic impact.
    — Tariq Malik, Space.com, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of violent
Noun
  • On the final play of the game, Underwood found space and gave his receivers time to get downfield before heaving a bomb that ended up sailing just out the back of the end zone.
    — Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Marshall in the first half also connected on another bomb, this one a 47-yard pass up the middle to Middle Tennessee transfer Nahzae Cox.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of bomb
Adjective
  • Saylor Hayes, 5, who was the subject of an intensive search involving hundreds of people and multiple agencies, was found in South Carolina on Sunday.
    — Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Authorities point to the Golden State’s intensive regulatory environment as a factor.
    — Joel Mathis, TheWeek, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of intensive
Adjective
  • Giamatti makes Jerry ferocious but not monstruous, a man who certainly likes barking orders at various underlings but loves making good theater even more.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Up to this point, Ghostface victims have been stabbed with Buck 120 hunting knives, crushed by garage doors, shot, electrocuted, and thrown off rooftops in ferocious, balls-to-the-wall Scream fashion.
    — Michael Lee Simpson, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of ferocious
Noun
  • Missiles and drones launched from corvettes can disable ships by hitting them above the surface, and torpedoes launched from submarines can sink them.
    — HOLMES LIAO, Foreign Affairs, 4 Sep. 2026
  • But, given that the Republicans now control both houses of Congress and the Presidency, curbing Trump might require firing that torpedo.
    — Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of torpedo
Adjective
  • Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway owns BNSF, and the railroad is a fierce critic of Vena’s takeover bid for Norfolk Southern.
    — John Lippert, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Aaron Donald, one of the fiercest pass rushers in NFL history, is coming out of retirement to rejoin the Rams in hopes of winning another Super Bowl title.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of fierce
Adjective
  • The Lindsay Clancy trial has captivated the nation, spurring furious online debate on the state of maternal healthcare and whether she should be held criminally responsible for killing her three children.
    — Yasmin Vossoughian, NBC news, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Simply put, the SEC is furious that LSU has challenged the conference’s attempts to enforce its eligibility rules for athletes returning from professional sports.
    — Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of furious

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explosions
explosive
explosively
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on explosive

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about explosive

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