explosive

1 of 2

adjective

ex·​plo·​sive ik-ˈsplō-siv How to pronounce explosive (audio)
-ziv
Synonyms of explosivenext
1
a
: relating to, characterized by, or operated by explosion
an explosive hatch
b
: resulting from or as if from an explosion
explosive population growth
2
a
: tending to explode
an explosive person
b
: likely to erupt in or produce hostile reaction or violence
an explosive situation
explosively adverb
explosiveness noun

explosive

2 of 2

noun

1
: an explosive substance
2
: a consonant characterized by explosion in its articulation when it occurs in certain environments : stop

Synonyms of explosive

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Adjective

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Examples of explosive in a Sentence

Adjective He has an explosive temper. there's been an explosive interest in the sport since the Olympics
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
With the fireworks revving for the holiday weekend, why not add some explosive savings to the mix with amazing deals on furniture? — Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 1 July 2026 This year’s Fourth of July fireworks promise to be especially explosive. — Char Miller, Time, 30 June 2026
Noun
Many partygoers escaped the explosion when the shells hit the table with the unspent explosives, but the 8-year-old did not, according to the news release. — Seamus Bozeman, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026 Prosecutors say Samuel Machado used his badge to stay one step ahead of the law, claiming more than 11 million pounds of explosives were moved through the Esparto property over the last decade. — Madisen Keavy, CBS News, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for explosive

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1696, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1773, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of explosive was in 1696

Phrases Containing explosive

Rhymes for explosive

See All Rhymes for explosive

Browse Nearby Words

explosion shot
explosive
explosive evolution
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Explosive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/explosive. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

explosive

1 of 2 adjective
ex·​plo·​sive ik-ˈsplō-siv How to pronounce explosive (audio)
-ziv
1
: able to cause explosion
the explosive power of gunpowder
2
: likely to explode
an explosive temper
explosively adverb
explosiveness noun

explosive

2 of 2 noun
: an explosive substance

More from Merriam-Webster on explosive

Nglish: Translation of explosive for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about explosive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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