EXPLOSIVENESS Synonyms: 124 Similar and Opposite Words

explosive 1 of 2

adjective

ik-ˈsplō-siv

Definition of explosive

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

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

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

Prior to Wednesday’s off-night, Peterson had been an explosive scorer for the Jazz. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 16 July 2026 But the result of a stricter nutrition plan has truly been a slimmer, more explosive version of Cryer. — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 16 July 2026

Noun

Around you, hundreds of bags move through security systems designed to detect explosives, weapons and other dangerous items. — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 8 June 2026 The suspect also said explosives had been attached to some of the hostages, which law enforcement was able to confirm based on its own observations. — Dennis Romero, NBC news, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for explosive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for explosive

Adjective

His plan, scheduled for a vote at the Beach commission on Wednesday after two years of often-intense debate and revision, comes in the prosaic form of a technical zoning change.

— Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
Criticism from the political left was, predictably, swift and intense.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of intense

Adjective

Bullish risk reversal In an attempt to capitalize on the historically expensive downside SPCX options and position for a violent snap-back, this risk reversal seeks to finance upside exposure by fading the put skew.

— Jeff Kilburg, CNBC, 17 July 2026
As the administration forges ahead with its immigration enforcement campaign, former ICE officials and policing experts warned that resuming vehicle stops without a thorough review of training or tactics could lead to more violent encounters.

— Christopher Cann, USA Today, 17 July 2026

Definition of violent

Noun

Romy Gonzalez finished the rally with a run-scoring groundout, and in the top of the fifth Contreras wrapped up the scoring with a two-run bomb to the center field bleachers, his 22nd homer of the season.

— Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 19 July 2026
Her complaint alleges deputies mishandled a live grenade from a Santa Monica call, brought it to a training center where explosives are banned, and handled it with Lemus, who lacked bomb-squad training.

— Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2026

Definition of bomb

Adjective

Yet the end goal of this liberation movement appears to be a more intense brand of intensive parenting.

— Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 16 July 2026
Rising costs across the produce supply chain Growing everything from strawberries to collard greens is labor intensive, and for many years, worker shortages have compelled farms to hike wages.

— Elizabeth Canales, The Conversation, 16 July 2026

Definition of intensive

Adjective

Calm on the ball, Rodri is a ferocious monster off it, hoovering up second balls with his sharp anticipation and brushing opponents aside in duels with his imposing physicality.

— Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 20 July 2026
Adult ladybugs are most known for eating aphids, but the various species are ferocious hunters of varied prey.

— Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2026

Definition of ferocious

Noun

Its Virginia Payload Module gives it a large and well-defined cruise-missile capacity, while its torpedo tubes can launch Mk 48 heavyweight torpedoes.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 11 July 2026
The company makes radar and electronic warfare systems, as well as torpedo defense countermeasures.

— Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 6 July 2026

Definition of torpedo

Adjective

Both yachts will provide fierce competition against Svea, owned by Swedish entrepreneur Niklas Zennström, when the trio meet at Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez in late September.

— Chrissie McClatchie, Robb Report, 18 July 2026
Argentina's greatest strengths lie in their infectious unity and fierce mentality.

— Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 18 July 2026

Definition of fierce

Adjective

Additional sources recently told the National Examiner that William is furious about Harry and Meghan’s reported desire to collaborate with Netflix on the documentary.

— Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 18 July 2026
Nolan doesn’t exactly share his hero’s reticence; one of his signature tactics as a writer is to place blocky, boldface ideas in furious opposition.

— Justin Chang, New Yorker, 17 July 2026

Definition of furious

Browse Nearby Words

explosions

explosive

explosively

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Style

“Explosive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explosive. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of explosive

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

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