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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of explode
This is a field that could really explode over the coming years and decades, according to Dava Newman, director of the Human Systems Lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, who served as deputy administrator of NASA from 2015 to 2017.
—
Mike Wall,
Space.com,
3 July 2026
Many enduring books, like many classic movies, explode these categories.
—
Boris Kachka,
The Atlantic,
3 July 2026
But the acres burned by high-severity fires — when flames explode out of control with extreme temperatures, incinerating trees rather than simply clearing out dead vegetation — have increased thirtyfold.
—
Paul Rogers,
Mercury News,
3 July 2026
Maybe that’s why the repertory cinema scene is also exploding right now.
—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
3 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for explode
Mike Wall,
Space.com,
3 July 2026
Many enduring books, like many classic movies, explode these categories.
—
Boris Kachka,
The Atlantic,
3 July 2026
But the acres burned by high-severity fires — when flames explode out of control with extreme temperatures, incinerating trees rather than simply clearing out dead vegetation — have increased thirtyfold.
—
Paul Rogers,
Mercury News,
3 July 2026
Maybe that’s why the repertory cinema scene is also exploding right now.
—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
3 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for explode
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explode
Verb
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At least four people were killed after an explosive device was detonated in a Damascus cafe Thursday, Syria's Interior Ministry said.
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It is now surrounded by fencing and ominous signs that read DANGER EXPLOSIVES and show a bomb being detonated.
Verb
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Seconds later, a powerful explosion blasted through the doorway, shattering windows and sending vertical blinds and debris flying as firefighters quickly retreated from the building.
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Republican Rick Jackson shattered spending records in Georgia by spending $108 million of his own money into his campaign for governor.
Verb
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Spontaneous applause erupted — and even some tears were shed — at the battered parking structure where Gil had been entombed since the two temblors struck within seconds of each other on June 24.
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Anyone who thinks that the differences between these sects are minor is invited to read about the wars, massacres and persecutions that erupted between them in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Verb
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One interception attempt resulted in a large explosion that spectacularly blew the roof off a fuel tank.
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After the final whistle blew and this Norway team had made history, Haaland took a moment and looked into the Norwegian cheering section, trying to process what had just happened.
Verb
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Powell is accused of smashing the mug over the victim's head.
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The van’s windows were smashed and a lone orange traffic cone sat on the hood.
Verb
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With Yerry De los Santos on the mound in the fourth, Hao-Yu Lee popped a fly ball to short right field.
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Octavia Spencer pops in a summery blouse at the Amiri show during Paris Fashion Week on June 25.
Verb
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The East Wing of the White House was demolished suddenly in October 2025, and construction at the site, which will be the location of a new 22,000-square-foot ballroom, has continued through mid-2026.
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Just months later, in October, the East Wing had been demolished without notice to make way for the new ballroom.
Verb
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However, the extravagant nature of such spending appears to be a bubble that has now burst, especially given the obvious failure to build a domestic talent pool.
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When fire crews arrived on scene, the fire had consumed multiple rooms and had burst through the roof of one of the three hotel buildings.
Cite this Entry
“Explode.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explode. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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