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
Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 26 July 2025
And in an era of rising geopolitical tensions, having a portable scanner that can also detect explosives could be a critical layer in national defense.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 22 July 2025
Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2025
On the irrational front, Cramer pointed to recent IPOs such as Circle, Figma and Bullish, that each saw explosive gains after their debuts.
—Ali McCadden, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explosive
Adjective
They were then transported to the department’s explosives training facility in East Los Angeles to be destroyed.
—Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 26 July 2025
And in an era of rising geopolitical tensions, having a portable scanner that can also detect explosives could be a critical layer in national defense.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 22 July 2025
Noun
Musk has stressed that rapid and frequent testing that sometimes leads to explosive ends can still provide data that helps engineers improve the vehicle's design.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2025
On the irrational front, Cramer pointed to recent IPOs such as Circle, Figma and Bullish, that each saw explosive gains after their debuts.
—Ali McCadden, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explosive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explosive
Adjective
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The community’s response is intense: panicked and bereaved mothers and fathers turn on Justine, indirectly a victim herself; misguided outrage blinds them to the real menace operating unimpeded in their midst.—
Andy Crump,
Time,
9 Aug. 2025
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For Democrats, the internal pressure is even more intense.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Year-to-date violent crime, as of Aug. 5, is down 26% compared to the year before, and the 2024 figure dropped 35% from 2023.—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
7 Aug. 2025
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Shortly thereafter, Hamas won the Palestinian legislative elections and staged a violent coup to overthrow the Palestinian Authority and seize control of the Strip.—
Amelie Botbol,
FOXNews.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The devastation of the two bombs coupled with the threat of a full-scale Allied invasion set Japan on the path to surrender.—
Jason Rossi,
The Enquirer,
9 Aug. 2025
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Trump also highlighted the stories of valor of other Purple Heart recipients, including Army Spc. Kevin Jensen whose Humvee was hit by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan in 2008.—
MEG KINNARD THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Previous reports have noted his intensive training at the WWE Performance Center and his incredible physical transformation.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Aug. 2025
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Young’s legacy endures – her school remains a magnet for young performers aged 10 to 16, blending the academic curriculum with intensive training in acting, singing and dance.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
30 July 2025
Adjective
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Typical confusion and disruption for a ferocious Vikings unit led by blitz enthusiast and defensive coordinator Brian Flores, but a shock to the Patriots’ offensive system.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
13 Aug. 2025
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Aquaman star Jason Momoa learned that lesson the hard way while attempting a miles-long paddle through ferocious Hawaiian waters and nearly not coming back up.—
Ryan Coleman Published,
EW.com,
12 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Owning the trademark would protect Raleigh from others using Big Dumper for commercial use in clothing lines, apparel and merchandise such as the torpedo bats.—
Barry M. Bloom,
Sportico.com,
6 Aug. 2025
-
Oh, yeah, and there are enormous torpedoes that Cruise must navigate as they are jostled with each sub rotation.—
Chris O'Falt,
IndieWire,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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Nonetheless, the show’s premiere provides the perfect moment to map out the slimy, menacing world of Ellen Ripley and company in their epic battle against one of the galaxy’s fiercest creatures.—
Dan Heching,
CNN Money,
12 Aug. 2025
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On a subsequent rally, Kaylee smacked a fierce shot past me, scoring her team a point.—
Dhruv Khullar,
New Yorker,
11 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Sheckler and Kells have used the parallels in their turbulent journeys in the spotlight to lean on one another, making their bond stronger over the years.—
Michael Saponara,
Billboard,
14 Aug. 2025
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The two were married in 2012, and in the 13 years that followed, Krein was spotted from time to time with the powerful political family as his father-in-law navigated a presidential campaign and turbulent term in the White House.—
Kyler Alvord,
People.com,
13 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Explosive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explosive. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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