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
Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 4 Sep. 2025
The war in Ukraine has consumed so much TNT that there is a global shortage of the explosive.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 2 Sep. 2025
Peter Leyden, Big Think, 7 Oct. 2025
Kansas State hasn’t been known for producing explosive skill players with the exception of Darren Sproles, but the Wildcats have more speed than usual on the roster this year.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explosive
Adjective
Prevent explosive plays on defense.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 4 Sep. 2025
The war in Ukraine has consumed so much TNT that there is a global shortage of the explosive.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 2 Sep. 2025
Noun
The really explosive growth and the bulk of the transformation happened in just the last 25 years, which should be an inspiration to us all.
—Peter Leyden, Big Think, 7 Oct. 2025
Kansas State hasn’t been known for producing explosive skill players with the exception of Darren Sproles, but the Wildcats have more speed than usual on the roster this year.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explosive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explosive
Adjective
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During periods of intense rainfall, the risk of flooding increases, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
4 Oct. 2025
-
Safdie perceptively locates the protagonist’s troubling inner contradictions—the atavistic fury that drives him to compete and the intense self-control that competition demands—but dramatizes such outer crises as opioid addiction and conflict with his girlfriend (Emily Blunt) only schematically.—
Vince Aletti,
New Yorker,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
While Memphis has seen high numbers of violent crimes such as homicides and carjackings in recent years, Democratic and Republican officials have noted decreases this year in some crime categories.—
Devon M. Sayers,
CNN Money,
1 Oct. 2025
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Even so, to take on one of the most famous women in history — and through a lens so bloody and violent — is a mighty tall order.—
Shirley Halperin,
HollywoodReporter,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The Saints basically made one play on offense, the 87-yard bomb to Rashid Shaheed.—
Michael Salfino,
New York Times,
6 Oct. 2025
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Through the streets of World War I Paris, the bohemian artist attempts to outmaneuver bombs, policemen, girlfriends, and critics in an increasingly desperate search of a home for his art.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Over the next three days, Stafford and Hanton will lead you through an intensive, interactive bushcraft school.—
Mark Ellwood,
Robb Report,
5 Oct. 2025
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In India, the government has begun pushing to decarbonize the iron and steel sector, one of the world’s most emissions-intensive industries, driven as much by resource and pollution pressures as by diplomacy.—
Felicia Jackson,
Forbes.com,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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In a competition bear-ly more ferocious, 12 chunky brown bears in Alaska’s Katmai National Park and Preserve have been battling it out in one of the most cutthroat places on the planet – the internet.—
Lilit Marcus,
CNN Money,
1 Oct. 2025
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The numbers may not leap off the page, but one of Sunday’s most exciting clashes was the 60-minute chess match between the Detroit Lions’ run game and the Cleveland Browns’ ferocious defensive front.—
The Athletic Staff,
New York Times,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
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That ship was sunk by six torpedoes and two bombs, according to the National Park Service.—
Genevieve Shaw Brown,
FOXNews.com,
27 Sep. 2025
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Director Edward Berger designed the experience to evoke visceral tension: rain droplets, torpedo corridors, and claustrophobic realism blur the line between viewer and scene.—
Charlie Fink,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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As Auberge continues expanding into urban markets and deepening its European presence, the challenge will be maintaining that fierce independence at scale.—
Ritu Upadhyay,
Footwear News,
6 Oct. 2025
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Rescuers are struggling to reach at least 200 hikers trapped in a Mount Everest valley by an unexpectedly fierce weekend snowstorm that pounded the mountain with snow and heavy rain, according to Chinese state media CCTV.—
Janet Loehrke,
USA Today,
6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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This rapid descent keeps the drone stable in turbulent air and minimizes wind interference.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Oct. 2025
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But the recent shift from season 50 to season 51, which premiered on Saturday, was even more turbulent.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
5 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Explosive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explosive. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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