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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of explosive
Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 28 Apr. 2025
This explosive growth has understandably sparked a wave of interest among retail investors, many of whom are drawn to the promise of diversification and higher returns, especially after the volatility of traditional markets that occurred in 2022.
—Jonathan Foster, President and Ceo At Angeles Wealth Management, CNBC, 28 Apr. 2025
Toria Sheffield, People.com, 19 Apr. 2025
He was detained by police about an hour after making the threat in Palm Springs, but no weapons or explosives material was found on him or in his car.
—David Matthews, New York Daily News, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explosive
Adjective
She’s encountered her share of both real and contrived rivalries — par for the course for most pop stars — but never anything explosive enough to disrupt her unbothered aura of tranquility.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 28 Apr. 2025
This explosive growth has understandably sparked a wave of interest among retail investors, many of whom are drawn to the promise of diversification and higher returns, especially after the volatility of traditional markets that occurred in 2022.
—Jonathan Foster, President and Ceo At Angeles Wealth Management, CNBC, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
On April 19, 1995, a truck filled with explosives was parked outside the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma City.
—Toria Sheffield, People.com, 19 Apr. 2025
He was detained by police about an hour after making the threat in Palm Springs, but no weapons or explosives material was found on him or in his car.
—David Matthews, New York Daily News, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explosive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explosive
Adjective
-
In the game, the station is in the bright sunlight, and the subway tunnel experience takes a lot longer, and isn’t quite as intense.—
Adam B. Vary,
Variety,
5 May 2025
-
And, George, Elon Musk told reporters this week it's been a very intense 100 days.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 May 2025
Adjective
-
Children are being exposed to an unprecedented amount of online pornography, much of which is violent and misogynistic.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
2 May 2025
-
However, the Salvadoran national was living in the U.S. illegally and is suspected of being a member of the notoriously violent gang MS-13.—
Rachel Wolf,
FOXNews.com,
2 May 2025
Noun
-
Vader’s reveal to Luke about being the kid’s father is an all-time truth bomb, and is made better when compared to Luke’s visions of the man behind the mask when training with Yoda.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
4 May 2025
-
Brazilian Police said Sunday that two people were arrested who were involved in a plot to set off a bomb at Lady Gaga‘s free concert in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Copacabana Beach, according to AP.—
Jack Dunn,
Variety,
4 May 2025
Adjective
-
Historically, Google has had a less intensive quality control processes than Apple which has meant more low-end apps make it through to the storefront.—
James Peckham,
PC Magazine,
30 Apr. 2025
-
For now, these lands could be converted to intensive residential, commercial or industrial development.—
Reed Frederick Noss,
The Conversation,
29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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This ferocious, steep-banked corner possesses a wild 24% gradient, a nod to Spain’s bullfighting heritage.—
Kanzah Maktoum,
Forbes.com,
27 Apr. 2025
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But this team was special, with a watertight defence combined with a ferocious forward line of Ronaldo (his best goalscoring season for United), Rooney and Tevez.—
Nick Miller,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
This is the ballpark where the torpedo bats originally cracked and echoed, and New York starts Friday with gaudy offensive numbers (second in runs per game and on-base percentage, tied with the Dodgers for most homers).—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2025
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Some said the torpedo bats should be banned, and others denounced the Yankees for breaking the rules.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The old model of fierce independence is a luxury many can't afford during this transition.—
AllBusiness,
Forbes.com,
8 May 2025
-
Tehran claims its program is peaceful but has threatened fierce retaliation and a possible withdrawal from the nonproliferation treaty if its nuclear sites are attacked.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
8 May 2025
Adjective
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Which brings me to another important lesson from turbulent times: market timing (still) does not work.—
Jill Schlesinger,
Mercury News,
28 Apr. 2025
-
That might be the ultimate takeaway for leaders navigating turbulent times.—
Karl Moore,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Explosive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explosive. Accessed 13 May. 2025.
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