explode

verb

ik-ˈsplōd How to pronounce explode (audio)
Definition of explodenext
1
as in to detonate
to break open or into pieces usually because of internal pressure the building was wrecked when a powerful bomb exploded

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to shatter
to cause to break open or into pieces by or as if by an explosive the bomb was so powerful that it exploded windows in several neighboring buildings

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to erupt
to develop suddenly and violently the mayor's latest unpopular decision caused long-suppressed resentment to explode into open anger

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 explode The Apollo 13 crew did not land on the moon after an oxygen tank in the service module exploded roughly 56 hours into the mission, depriving the spacecraft of electrical power and life‑support consumables. — Anna Commander hannah Parry joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Aug. 2025 Beyond the political realm, antisemitism is exploding in many of the liberal camp’s cultural institutions — academia, public education, Hollywood, medicine — where anti-Jewish discrimination, harassment, and violence are a common occurrence. — Nathan Diament, New York Daily News, 7 Aug. 2025 The controversy exploded when Randi (@Randipandy_) posted a now-viral video from her car, blasting parents who refuse to buy even basic items for the classroom. — Heather Hunter, The Washington Examiner, 31 July 2025 The team’s high valuation shows how strong a demand there is to invest in Formula 1, which saw its popularity explode in the U.S. thanks to Netflix’s Drive to Survive series—and surely Brad Pitt and Damson Idris’s F1 flick helped out with that, too. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 31 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for explode
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explode
  1. detonate
  2. shatter
  3. erupt
  4. pop
  5. smash
  6. blow
  7. demolish
  8. burst
Verb
  • The atomic bomb detonated instead above the Shima Surgical Hospital.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 July 2025
  • The rule was introduced in response to an unsuccessful attempt by a passenger to detonate liquid explosives on a transatlantic flight.
    — Will McGough, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
Definition of detonate
Verb
  • Keenan’s only injuries were from the car’s shattered glass, but Denaro was shot five times and needed a metal plate to replace a part of his skull, which was shattered by the bullets.
    — Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 2 Aug. 2025
  • That sense of serenity was shattered Monday when a man stormed the Midtown building with an assault rifle and unleashed a hailstorm of bullets, killing three people in the lobby.
    — Holly Yan, CNN Money, 1 Aug. 2025
Definition of shatter
Verb
  • Martin has been trying to put out fires in the Democratic civil war that erupted over Mamdani’s shock victory on June 24.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Although the bit, which was filled with a series of absurd interpretative dances, made the audience erupt with laughter, the actress was genuinely touched by the honor.
    — Vivian Kwarm, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2025
Definition of erupt
Verb
  • Literally, as this is about Shabbat clubs, popping up all over New York City and beyond on Friday nights, per the Jewish tradition.
    — Sophie Liza Cannon, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Daily lenses are so comfortable that people tend to quickly adapt to their new routine: Wake up, pop in a fresh set, go about the day, and then take them out and toss them in the trash, no solution or contact case required.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 7 Aug. 2025
Definition of pop
Verb
  • By then, there were two outs, Jesse Winker was on second and came home on an RBI single by Starling Marte, dramatically smashing his helmet at home plate, punctuating a two-run lead.
    — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Claressa Shields has smashed her way through the current crop of heavyweight contenders and even called out 47-year-old pioneer Laila Ali.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Definition of smash
Verb
  • In other words, keep up or watch your competition blow past you.
    — Shep Hyken, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2025
  • Bednar allowed a solo homer, a double, and a pair of singles to blow the lead for the Yankees.
    — Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Aug. 2025
Definition of blow
Verb
  • After partially collapsing on Sunday, one of the two Eutaw Street buildings condemned by the city’s housing department was being demolished Monday evening, as transportation officials advised that street closures likely will continue through Tuesday’s commute.
    — Chevall Pryce, Baltimore Sun, 5 Aug. 2025
  • And its new chair, Rep. Mike Flood, wants to demolish that assumption for good.
    — Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 4 Aug. 2025
Definition of demolish
Verb
  • Perabo burst onto the scene as wannabe singer Violet Sanford, who moves from New Jersey to N.Y.C. to pursue her dreams — and ends up joining the Coyote Ugly crew.
    — Kate Hogan, People.com, 4 Aug. 2025
  • Berries—and raspberries in particular—are another food that’s bursting with fiber.
    — Audrey Bruno, SELF, 4 Aug. 2025
Definition of burst

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explicitness
explode
exploded
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Cite this Entry

“Explode.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explode. Accessed 17 Aug. 2025.

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