EXPLOSIVE Synonyms: 124 Similar and Opposite Words

explosive 1 of 2

adjective

ik-ˈsplō-siv

Definition of explosive

as in intense

extreme in degree, power, or effect there's been an explosive interest in the sport since the Olympics

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

explosive

2 of 2

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 explosive

Adjective

The new Pioneer was created in partnership with Saquon Barkley, widely considered one of the most explosive running backs in the NFL, who has given the luxury sports watch a very cool twist. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 20 Oct. 2026 Daniela emerged as the most magnetic personality, combining an outgoing warmth with explosive, unapologetically sensual dancing. — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 20 Oct. 2026

Noun

The general theme, though, is Doyle hunting explosive plays and Jackson looking plenty comfortable in running the show. — James Boyd, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2026 The latest season of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives picks up after the women of MomTok experienced an explosive last few months off camera, following the drama and scandal that largely surrounded the group’s once-leader, Taylor Frankie Paul. — Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for explosive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for explosive

Adjective

George Bonanno, a psychologist at Columbia University, explains that many people who have intense symptoms initially—such as nightmares and flashbacks—won’t develop PTSD.

— Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
Still, the competition among jewelers is becoming more intense, not only for sports team’s commissions but also to design ever flashier pieces with intricate details.

— Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of intense

Adjective

Government critics and human rights campaigners have alleged that police tactics in the last month have been unnecessarily violent.

— ABC News, ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026
But complicating the government's efforts to bring the French deficit under control are widespread protests that have turned increasingly violent since starting as a Parisian student movement last month.

— Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of violent

Noun

Russia launched more than 20 attacks on Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region overnight into Sunday, using drones and an aerial bomb, according to local authorities.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
In the bottom of the 3rd, the Brewers tied it with a two-run bomb of their own off Bryce Turang’s bat.

— OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of bomb

Adjective

Just a half-hour north of San Diego, the property is comprised of over 600 acres of hills, meadows, Japanese gardens, and citrus groves, including 30 miles of private hiking trails and five acres of bio-intensive gardens.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
On the cost side, Zuckerberg did acknowledge that Muse is currently very compute-intensive.

— Zev Fima, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of intensive

Adjective

One of the most celebrated objects from the India Museum is a mechanical wooden sculpture of a ferocious tiger gnawing at a British soldier’s throat.

— Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026
Wilson rocked the stanchion with a ferocious dunk in transition in the fourth quarter, only to have his next attempt at a full-court sprint smacked away by Jamal Shead, leading to a Leonard 3-pointer on the other end.

— Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of ferocious

Adjective

Projects that communities had originally welcomed were suddenly met with fierce opposition, and companies had to improve.

— Neil Chatterjee, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
What is to come afterwards is when their world is on fire as the fierce Battle Of Okinawa Island takes them , and us, back to sad reality.

— Pete Hammond, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of fierce

Browse Nearby Words

explosions

explosive

explosively

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Style

“Explosive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explosive. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of explosive

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

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