DETONATE Synonyms: 21 Similar and Opposite Words

detonate

verb

ˈde-tᵊn-ˌāt

Definition of detonate

as in to explode

to break open or into pieces usually because of internal pressure the bomb detonated with a thunder that could be heard for blocks in all directions

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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 detonate Multiple explosions detonated close to a tanker south of Al-Mukha, Yemen, in the Bab el-Mandeb, the monitor said, adding that the crew were reported safe. — Frank Andrews, CBS News, 5 Oct. 2026 Akhtar the author, though, is conducting a stealthy psyop aimed at detonating the certainties of combatants on both sides. — Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 2026 She is widely remembered as the first Palestinian woman to carry out a suicide bombing, although accounts indicate that the device may have detonated unexpectedly. — Sara Harmouch, The Conversation, 1 Oct. 2026 The missile, called a PrSM—for precision-strike missile—detonates midair and spreads thousands of small tungsten fragments in all directions. — Robin Wright, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for detonate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for detonate

Verb

Riley then capped the game with just over 6 minutes left, hitting the outside lane to explode for a 72-yard touchdown run and the final 31-10 lead.

— Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 25 Oct. 2026
Blue dials have been a favorite among watchmakers (and collectors) for decades, but the sheer variety of hues coming out of Switzerland has exploded in recent years.

— Robb Report, Robb Report, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of explode

Verb

These higher-than-usual high tides are supercharged by winds blowing onshore, pushing more seawater on land.

— Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2026
While Healey is expected to let a reduction in his fiscal buffer do most of the work on the basis that the Iran war has blown a hole in his accounts, tax increases are still likely.

— Ian King, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of blow

Verb

To shoppers, the chain disappears, until next September or so, when another store pops up somewhere in the neighborhood.

— Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
Many of these 13 tracks have popped up as demos in Jensen’s live shows or NTS sets, cooking down to their essence in plain sight.

— Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of pop

Browse Nearby Words

dethroning

detonate

detonated

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“Detonate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detonate. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of detonate

verb

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