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
Mortars, or large, powerful fireworks that explode high in the air.
—
Quinn Clark, jsonline.com, 17 July 2025
The announcement comes two weeks after an unpermitted fireworks warehouse exploded in Esparto, killing seven people.
—Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2025
This can include exploding upward with a vertical jump, bounding side to side, or swiftly changing directions.
—Jenny McCoy, SELF, 15 July 2025
What Is Happening in Cape Coral? Cape Coral's housing market exploded during the pandemic, when thousands of out-of-state newcomers flocked to the relatively affordable Florida paradise, snatching up for-sale homes and driving up prices.
—Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for explode
Quinn Clark, jsonline.com, 17 July 2025
The announcement comes two weeks after an unpermitted fireworks warehouse exploded in Esparto, killing seven people.
—Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2025
This can include exploding upward with a vertical jump, bounding side to side, or swiftly changing directions.
—Jenny McCoy, SELF, 15 July 2025
What Is Happening in Cape Coral? Cape Coral's housing market exploded during the pandemic, when thousands of out-of-state newcomers flocked to the relatively affordable Florida paradise, snatching up for-sale homes and driving up prices.
—Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for explode
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explode
Verb
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At the same time, a squad attempts to raid the lab, leading to a massive shoot-out culminating with the drug dealers detonating an explosive, destroying the lab.—
Keith Langston,
People.com,
17 July 2025
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Just a few weeks later, on August 6, 1945, the first atomic bomb used in warfare detonated approximately 580 meters above Hiroshima — a city of 350,000 located on the coastal plain of the Chugoku region in western Honshu, Japan.—
David Bressan,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
Verb
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Kurt's key takeaways The Elmo hack shattered more than just a cheerful digital persona.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
20 July 2025
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That seeming consensus, under sustained attack, was shattered this week.—
David Folkenflik,
NPR,
18 July 2025
Verb
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Clashes erupted elsewhere in the city over the federal government’s drive to promote Hindi – a language closely tied to the BJP’s northern power base and often seen as central to the party’s vision of national unity and Hindu identity.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
26 July 2025
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The stadium continued to erupt with cheers as Beyoncé stood in awe, moved by the energy and love surrounding her.—
Caché McClay,
USA Today,
26 July 2025
Verb
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The precocious musician began studying classical piano at the age of 7 and later pivoted to pop music.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
28 July 2025
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Yankovic may be best known for writing sometimes topical, sometimes silly alternatives to pop’s biggest hits, but his skill as a performer almost surpasses his wit as a songwriter.—
Courtney Devores,
Charlotte Observer,
28 July 2025
Verb
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Abraham Toro led off the fifth with a single against Twins starter Simeon Woods Richardson, Anthony drew a walk and Alex Bregman smashed a three-run homer to put the Red Sox ahead 3-2.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
29 July 2025
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What no one knew at the time was the right engine of the plane had smashed into the elevator shaft, crashing down and severing cables on its way.—
Susan Young,
People.com,
28 July 2025
Verb
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Kaus was setting up the umbrella when a gust of wind blew her off a lifeguard stand, dropping her on the point end of the 1-inch metal pole, NJ.com reported.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
21 July 2025
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In the marquee Challenger matchup of the weekend, a rematch of the Mid-Season final, Las Vegas blew the doors off of Nashville.—
Todd Boss,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
Verb
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The kids division, ages 5 to 11, was tasked with demolishing a singular slice, or one-fourth, of an entire pie.—
Olivia Cyrus
July 23,
Sacbee.com,
24 July 2025
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That includes plans to demolish the building this summer.—
Tom Daykin,
jsonline.com,
23 July 2025
Verb
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An instant later, six-foot-tall flames burst upward in blazing pillars, followed by an intoxicating waft of garlic, lemon and herbs that permeated the air over a crowd of awed onlookers.—
Luis Melecio-Zambrano,
Mercury News,
25 July 2025
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What transpires is a film bursting at the seams with heart, adored by laymen and critics alike.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
25 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Explode.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explode. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.
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