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
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 explode
In that kind of disaster scenario, the crew capsule separates from the rocket to save the astronauts, and the rocket explodes into small pieces.
—
Charlie Gile, NBC news, 1 Apr. 2026
The clip quickly exploded across social media.
—Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
Sudan slid into chaos in April 2023 when a power struggle between the two forces exploded into open fighting in Khartoum and elsewhere.
—Evelyne Musambi, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2026
Student loan delinquency has exploded to 25% of those in debt — nearly triple the pre-pandemic rate.
—Richard Cordray, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for explode
Charlie Gile, NBC news, 1 Apr. 2026
The clip quickly exploded across social media.
—Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
Sudan slid into chaos in April 2023 when a power struggle between the two forces exploded into open fighting in Khartoum and elsewhere.
—Evelyne Musambi, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2026
Student loan delinquency has exploded to 25% of those in debt — nearly triple the pre-pandemic rate.
—Richard Cordray, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for explode
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explode
Verb
-
Mohammad Hossein Fahmideh, a 13-year-old Basij soldier who destroyed an Iraqi tank by throwing himself under it and detonating a grenade belt, is widely commemorated as a hero by the government.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
1 Apr. 2026
-
First, the teams identified an issue with the hardware the communicates with a system designed to detonate the rocket to protect public safety if the rocket veers off course.—
Mathew Schumer,
Baltimore Sun,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
But customers should not expect earth-shattering menu changes.—
Michael Deeds,
Idaho Statesman,
2 Apr. 2026
-
World Cup That dream come true feeling Some dreams were shattered last night, other dreams were made.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The Guardians must protect the Legendary Silver Crystal when a battle erupts with a mysterious enemy during the Celestial Ball and plunges the Moon Palace into chaos.—
Brady MacDonald,
Oc Register,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Moore and her fiancé were taking their two young children to grab baby supplies when the gunfire erupted.—
Thomas Tracy,
New York Daily News,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Pitchers and batters are both worse than a coin-flip at issuing challenges – blown calls in a matter of seconds.—
Hannah Keyser,
CNN Money,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Littleton police say the driver behind the wheel of a semi-truck that crashed into a QuickTrip on West Belleview Avenue and smashed a car against a wall is facing careless driving charges.—
Karen Morfitt,
CBS News,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Kayleigh Martin smashed a home run, Chloe Veator drove in two runs in Tewksbury’s 4-3 nonleague win over Woburn.—
Jack Murray,
Boston Herald,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Just under eight minutes into the first period Tuesday against the Philadelphia Flyers, Ovechkin popped Flyers defenseman Cam York with a firm but largely unremarkable shove.—
Bailey Johnson,
Washington Post,
1 Apr. 2026
-
March 21 – April 19 Precise plans help when little fires pop up.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The project, which was announced by the White House in July, became a highly controversial undertaking when the East Wing was suddenly demolished to accommodate the 90,000 square foot ballroom.—
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The Panorama City facility is set to demolish its main ice rink, leaving athletes who use the center with a smaller, non-regulation rink.—
Senior Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
After heavy rain, swollen streams can burst their banks, carrying mud and boulders down the mountainsides.—
NPR,
NPR,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Fernandez-Pardo burst down the left flank then slipped the ball between two defenders and found the unmarked Haraldsson at the far post.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Explode.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explode. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
