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
Relevance
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
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
David Goodhue,
Miami Herald,
26 June 2026
The Rudd cardboard cutout returns for one last hurrah in the season 5 premiere during an explosive moment involving the Fak brothers in the episode’s final minute.
—
Kirsten Acuna,
PEOPLE,
26 June 2026
Television Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
8 May 2026
As the two focus on healing, local and state authorities are investigating the incident and the nature of the explosive.
—
Laura Bauer,
Kansas City Star,
6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for explosive
Adjective
Not only was Leyva heavily armed, but bomb-squad deputies found several explosive devices throughout the parking lot, the memo states.
—
David Goodhue,
Miami Herald,
26 June 2026
The Rudd cardboard cutout returns for one last hurrah in the season 5 premiere during an explosive moment involving the Fak brothers in the episode’s final minute.
—
Kirsten Acuna,
PEOPLE,
26 June 2026
Noun
Casting sexy, hunky Sharpe as Mozart — quite in contrast to the movie’s Tom Hulce, with his Harpo Marx energy and strange explosive giggle — signals that this is meant to be a Serious Take on the material.
—
Television Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
8 May 2026
As the two focus on healing, local and state authorities are investigating the incident and the nature of the explosive.
—
Laura Bauer,
Kansas City Star,
6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for explosive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explosive
Adjective
-
Indie Shakes managing director David Melville distills his production around scenes of intense conflict.
-
As the planet warms, extreme heat events are becoming more common, intense and long-lasting.
Adjective
-
The march stems from the violent 1969 police raid of the Stonewall Inn that catalyzed the gay rights movement at a time when many people who were LGBTQIA+ hid their identity.
-
Over the years, Hall has responded to emergencies ranging from domestic violence calls to serious violent crimes.
Noun
-
Instead, Marsh’s bomb opened the flood gates for the Phillies to score eight runs in the top of the ninth inning to absolutely stun the Nationals and its home crowd in a miraculous 14-9 victory on Tuesday night.
-
Both in the Broadhurst Theatre and on The Tonight Show, the number is a total joy bomb.
Adjective
-
Housed in remote data centers whose energy-intensive maintenance perpetuates the changing environmental conditions that threaten Tuvalu’s existence, the attempt to redeposit territory digitally drives home the paradoxes, and costs, of storage.
-
Qatari mediators returned to the Iranian capital for 17 hours of what the diplomat described as intensive negotiations.
Adjective
-
Speaking of, Ross asked Janssen about the steamy bathhouse scene during which Xenia and Bond face off in an encounter that is both flirty and ferocious.
-
In 2018, a blaze east of Athens moved with ferocious speed, killing more than 100 people.
Noun
-
Their weapons usually include torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and, in some cases, land-attack cruise missiles.
-
Considerations when choosing swimming pool dive toys Design Popular designs for swimming pool dive toys include sticks, rings, balls with tails, and torpedoes.
Adjective
-
The 2023 arrest of her then-10-year-old cousin for urinating in public brought fierce condemnation.
-
For a party that prides itself on diversity, the clashes have exacerbated fierce debates over identity politics and long-standing rifts between progressives and moderates.
Adjective
-
There was a furious campaign in India, led by the public, the media, and politicians, demanding revenge.
-
There are no rookies likely to get that kind of prominence on this year’s Oilers team, but there are young players who will get noticed due to furious forechecking.
Cite this Entry
“Explosive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explosive. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
