as in exploding
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of detonating
In one video a drone runs into protective netting at least 50 feet above the target and detonating prematurely.
—
David Hambling,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
Investigators found that Aliji intended to drive a Volkswagen Beetle equipped with fake police sirens and flashing blue lights toward crowds outside the venue before detonating explosives concealed inside a Red Bull can.
—
Bryan West,
USA Today,
28 May 2026
Its material originated during October 1977 sessions at Memphis’ Ardent Studios, where the original lineup — the late Lux Interior, Poison Ivy, Bryan Gregory and Nick Knox — worked with Chilton shortly before detonating the underground rock landscape.
—
Spin Staff,
SPIN,
27 May 2026
While the $25,000 charge is a monthly fee for the satellite connection provided to a satellite terminal, the terminals are being used with drones that only make one-way trips before hitting targets and detonating on impact.
—
ArsTechnica,
26 May 2026
One culminated last year with abject disaster, with Karl Lysinger detonating his Oak Park house and dying in the process, months after the home was auctioned.
—
Graham Womack
may 18,
Sacbee.com,
18 May 2026
Two Massachusetts men have pleaded guilty to breaking into Harvard Medical School and detonating fireworks last Halloween night, a crime that caught the eye of FBI Director Kash Patel.
—
Lance Reynolds,
Boston Herald,
24 Apr. 2026
And some advanced mines have counters that will let a certain number of ships pass before detonating.
—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
13 Apr. 2026
The 40-year-old from Alabama responded emphatically, detonating the fabled right hand several times and eventually pummeling Chisora to the ground.
—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
5 Apr. 2026
David Hambling,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
Investigators found that Aliji intended to drive a Volkswagen Beetle equipped with fake police sirens and flashing blue lights toward crowds outside the venue before detonating explosives concealed inside a Red Bull can.
—
Bryan West,
USA Today,
28 May 2026
Its material originated during October 1977 sessions at Memphis’ Ardent Studios, where the original lineup — the late Lux Interior, Poison Ivy, Bryan Gregory and Nick Knox — worked with Chilton shortly before detonating the underground rock landscape.
—
Spin Staff,
SPIN,
27 May 2026
While the $25,000 charge is a monthly fee for the satellite connection provided to a satellite terminal, the terminals are being used with drones that only make one-way trips before hitting targets and detonating on impact.
—
ArsTechnica,
26 May 2026
One culminated last year with abject disaster, with Karl Lysinger detonating his Oak Park house and dying in the process, months after the home was auctioned.
—
Graham Womack
may 18,
Sacbee.com,
18 May 2026
Two Massachusetts men have pleaded guilty to breaking into Harvard Medical School and detonating fireworks last Halloween night, a crime that caught the eye of FBI Director Kash Patel.
—
Lance Reynolds,
Boston Herald,
24 Apr. 2026
And some advanced mines have counters that will let a certain number of ships pass before detonating.
—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
13 Apr. 2026
The 40-year-old from Alabama responded emphatically, detonating the fabled right hand several times and eventually pummeling Chisora to the ground.
—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
5 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detonating
Verb
-
Flashes from exploding drones and missiles lit up the night, and loud booms echoed through Kyiv.
-
As SkyCal flew towards Huntington Park, dozens of rounds of fireworks were seen exploding over parts of Los Angeles, just minutes after the whistles blew in Estadio Azteca, surpassing the Round of 32 for the first time since 2018.
Verb
-
Technically, officials said, blowing past the deadline means Alameda County is no longer in exclusive negotiations with the Oakland Acquisition Company.
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But rather than cede ground to an outsider, the town's residents plant TNT in every single structure, blowing them up before Lassiter can get his hands on them.
Verb
-
Additionally, the company is offering a non-alcoholic beverage aptly named the Firework Fizz, which launched June 25 and has strawberry popping boba for a festive effect.
-
Social media campaigns are popping up online, urging women to place their bets on sites like Kalshi and Polymarket.
Cite this Entry
“Detonating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detonating. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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