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
Julia Marnin, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2025
Investigators have since concluded that the item initially thought to be an explosive was debris from a fiery vehicle crash.
—Noe Padilla, IndyStar, 3 Oct. 2025
Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025
Fueled by the warm waters of the Caribbean, the storm underwent explosive growth over the weekend, its wind speed doubling from 70 mph to over 140 mph.
—Christopher Cann, USA Today, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explosive
Adjective
About 10 minutes afterward, prosecutors said Williams texted Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and other city officials to warn about the bomb threat, suggesting the explosive was possibly in the city hall rotunda.
—Julia Marnin, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2025
Investigators have since concluded that the item initially thought to be an explosive was debris from a fiery vehicle crash.
—Noe Padilla, IndyStar, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
Her friend’s reaction was explosive.
—Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025
Fueled by the warm waters of the Caribbean, the storm underwent explosive growth over the weekend, its wind speed doubling from 70 mph to over 140 mph.
—Christopher Cann, USA Today, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explosive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explosive
Adjective
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The family dynamics of the show hadn’t been seen in any other franchise and made for some strong alliances against other members of the cast, as well as intense drama.—
Jenni Fink,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Oct. 2025
-
In an intense Instagram post Thursday, her 44th, the mother of three included various family album style photos over the last few years, plus some words of wisdom.—
Madeleine Marr,
Miami Herald,
31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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With words infallibly falling short, Pritam mingled realism with a fragmentary style of narration that meshes together social encounters, violent episodes, vivid metaphors, disturbing dreams, memories, intimate self-reflections, and introspection on society.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
30 Oct. 2025
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Once embroiled in conflict, participants and spectators layer on more stories to make sense of their relationship to its violent cauldron.—
Elizabeth D. Samet,
Foreign Affairs,
29 Oct. 2025
Noun
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At issue here, amid the domestic peace, is not only what makes people tick but, thanks to Hopkins, whether the ticking is that of a well-wound clock or an unexploded bomb.—
Anthony Lane,
New Yorker,
3 Nov. 2025
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Thousands of satellites with interceptors on them to knock down incoming Russian or Chinese missiles, with nuclear bombs on them.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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His label pioneered the industry’s intensive training system, recruiting performers as young as elementary school age and putting them through years of rigorous preparation.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
2 Nov. 2025
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Though similarly intensive, Leni's look provided a stark contrast to mom Heidi’s costume, which leaned more spooky than cute — and took inspiration from an older tale.—
Bailey Richards,
PEOPLE,
1 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Just a big ferocious ball of meat, claws, and teeth.—
Fran Ruiz,
Space.com,
31 Oct. 2025
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Though the storm did not make a direct hit on Haiti, its ferocious rains caused rivers to flood and jump their banks.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The torpedo reportedly operates at high speeds (up to 54 knots) and can reach depths of 1,000 meters, as detailed by national security analyst Steve Balestrieri in the National Security Journal.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Oct. 2025
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Originally designed for line-of-battle engagements, Fusō underwent major refits in the 1930s, gaining improved armor, torpedo bulges, and a speed of roughly 24 knots.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Elizabeth’s determination not to settle the succession gave rise to fierce rivalry between the claimants to the English throne, among them Mary, Queen of Scots and her son James VI; James’s cousin Arbella Stuart; Lady Katherine Grey and her descendants; and Henry Hastings, Earl of Huntingdon.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
4 Nov. 2025
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Yet plans to expand America’s lab-monkey stockpile have been met with fierce opposition.—
Ava Kofman,
New Yorker,
3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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The honesty hit home for fans who’ve watched Homa navigate a turbulent stretch.—
Devlina Sarkar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Oct. 2025
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Whether this week’s series of agreements across Asia marks the start of a broader reset—or a temporary thaw in a turbulent trade landscape—will depend on how these commitments unfold in the months ahead.—
Mayu Saini,
Sourcing Journal,
27 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Explosive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explosive. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
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