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
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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
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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
Despite his eagerness to explode treaties, shutter entire government agencies and abandon decades-old ways of doing things, the president understands that Social Security benefits for seniors are sacrosanct.
—
Eli Hager, ProPublica, 22 Feb. 2025
When iPhone users open their Safari browser, the cameras explode.
—Tripp Mickle, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025
When SpaceX’s Starship exploded in January, raining debris over the Caribbean, the Federal Aviation Administration temporarily grounded the rocket program and ordered an investigation.
—Heather Vogell, ProPublica, 11 Feb. 2025
The virus is not known to spread between humans, which has prevented the outbreak from exploding into the next pandemic.
—Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explode
Eli Hager, ProPublica, 22 Feb. 2025
When iPhone users open their Safari browser, the cameras explode.
—Tripp Mickle, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025
When SpaceX’s Starship exploded in January, raining debris over the Caribbean, the Federal Aviation Administration temporarily grounded the rocket program and ordered an investigation.
—Heather Vogell, ProPublica, 11 Feb. 2025
The virus is not known to spread between humans, which has prevented the outbreak from exploding into the next pandemic.
—Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explode
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explode
Verb
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Fireworks, gas tanks and camping fuel in the truck's bed are believed to have been detonated using a device operated by the driver.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
27 Feb. 2025
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Dive towards the ground, dealing damage to enemies and detonating any Flame Fields hit.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes,
20 Feb. 2025
Verb
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As the two vehicles collided, there was a loud boom; their windshields shattered, and the scene was engulfed in smoke.—
Stephania Taladrid,
The New Yorker,
27 Feb. 2025
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Recent events have shattered her image as a role model—a persona that has long been disputed by some of her co-stars.—
Louis Staples,
Rolling Stone,
26 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The crowd, now more than a thousand people, erupted in cheers and applause.—
Adriana Pérez,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Mar. 2025
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While the audience erupted in cheers, the moment was unexpected and Berry later said the kiss was not planned.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
3 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Finally in November of last year, another one popped up on TheRealReal.—
Christian Allaire,
Vogue,
6 Mar. 2025
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Original Dallas cast members Larry Hagman (J.R. Ewing), Patrick Duffy (Bobby Ewing) and Charlene Tilton (Lucy Ewing), for example, initially popped into spinoff Knots Landing, which started out slow and ultimately ran for 14 seasons.—
Marc Berman,
Forbes,
6 Mar. 2025
Verb
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And being choked at the age of 80 while your face is being smashed into the ground?—
Brittny Mejia,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2025
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Her shop’s front glass door was smashed and her point of sale system, electronics and some merchandise were taken.—
Nathan Pilling,
Kansas City Star,
5 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The Knicks blew a 19-point lead, and Philadelphia stormed back to take a 97-96 advantage with 3:59 left in the fourth quarter.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
27 Feb. 2025
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Courtenay Brown Feb 14, 2025 - Economy Trump trade plan intensifies The Trump trade war has blown past the realm of tariffs.—
Courtenay Brown,
Axios,
27 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Many have long since been demolished or altered beyond recognition, but some of the most beautiful have miraculously kept their original structures and decoration intact.—
The New York Times,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 Mar. 2025
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Most of the historic neighborhood theater buildings were either demolished or destroyed by fire, often replaced by parking lots or highways.—
Michael Wells,
Kansas City Star,
28 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Recycled beads turn into jewelry bursting with color.—
Jordi Lippe-McGraw,
Forbes,
4 Mar. 2025
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Plant these flowers from seed to have a garden bursting with color.—
Erica Browne Grivas,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 Mar. 2025
Articles Related to explode
Cite this Entry
“Explode.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explode. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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