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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of explode
The exploding popularity has led traditional sports betting companies, including both DraftKings and FanDuel, to launch their own prediction markets over the last year.
—
Zachary Folk,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2026
The brief clip showed off a new cast of characters, beginning with fuzzy television static before exploding into a montage propelled by intense music and kinetic bursts of action, carrying on the spirit of the first season through energetic animation and heavily stylised art.
—
Kambole Campbell,
Variety,
23 June 2026
No sooner had Mbappe exploded into life last Tuesday afternoon against Senegal than Messi had replied with a hat-trick against Algeria later in the evening.
—
Adam Crafton,
New York Times,
23 June 2026
As yoga’s popularity exploded in the 1990s and early 2000s, the use of namaste became more popular.
—
Jeremy David Engels,
The Conversation,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for explode
Zachary Folk,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2026
The brief clip showed off a new cast of characters, beginning with fuzzy television static before exploding into a montage propelled by intense music and kinetic bursts of action, carrying on the spirit of the first season through energetic animation and heavily stylised art.
—
Kambole Campbell,
Variety,
23 June 2026
No sooner had Mbappe exploded into life last Tuesday afternoon against Senegal than Messi had replied with a hat-trick against Algeria later in the evening.
—
Adam Crafton,
New York Times,
23 June 2026
As yoga’s popularity exploded in the 1990s and early 2000s, the use of namaste became more popular.
—
Jeremy David Engels,
The Conversation,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for explode
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explode
Verb
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In one video a drone runs into protective netting at least 50 feet above the target and detonating prematurely.
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Between 1946 and 1958, the United States military detonated 67 nuclear bombs around the island, raising questions about their lasting impact on marine life.
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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The crowd erupted as the ball crunched the back of the net.
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Following the large blaze that erupted at a Boyle Heights cold storage facility, CBS LA Cares is heading to East Los Angeles to host an ice cream social event to hear directly from residents.
Verb
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Finally, during penalties, Paraguay was up 3-2 and needed to make only one more kick before missing its last two, nearly blowing the match.
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The sobering reality, however, is that this is a 35-48 team that already has been blown too far off course.
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 5 Jul. 2026.
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