time bomb

noun

Synonyms of time bombnext
1
: a bomb so made as to explode at a predetermined time
2
: something with a potentially dangerous or detrimental delayed reaction

Synonyms of time bomb

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Examples of time bomb in a Sentence

He's a time bomb getting ready to explode. If we don't do something about the pollution problem, we'll be sitting on a ticking time bomb.
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.
Can people avoid the ticking HSA tax time bomb? — Medora Lee, USA Today, 20 May 2026 The time and cost of trials is a huge part of that, and is especially important because of the ticking time bomb of drug patents. — Amy Feldman, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2026 That is a real fiscal time bomb that could set off generational warfare in Washington. — Editorial, Boston Herald, 24 May 2026 That is a real fiscal time bomb that could set off generational warfare in Washington. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for time bomb

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of time bomb was in 1893

Rhymes for time bomb

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Browse Nearby Words

time-binding
time bomb
time book
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Cite this Entry

“Time bomb.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/time%20bomb. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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