1
as in intense
extreme in degree, power, or effect
there's been an explosive interest in the sport since the Olympics
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in violent
marked by bursts of destructive force or intense activity
one of the most explosive storms to hit that area of the coast in some time
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of explosive
Morgan Chittum,
CNBC,
2 July 2026
Atlas is a 1-and-a-half-year-old Dutch Shepherd whose specialty is explosive detection and capturing suspects.
—
Fousia Abdullahi,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 July 2026
Darrell Smith,
Sacbee.com,
2 June 2026
The explosive detonated in Biak Numfor Regency in Indonesia's Papua Province on Sunday, May 31, leaving at least five people dead and five others hospitalized with injuries, The Jakarta Globe and Antara reported, citing local authorities.
—
Bailey Richards,
PEOPLE,
31 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for explosive
Adjective
But the electrification division and its explosive growth are the icing on the cake.
—
Morgan Chittum,
CNBC,
2 July 2026
Atlas is a 1-and-a-half-year-old Dutch Shepherd whose specialty is explosive detection and capturing suspects.
—
Fousia Abdullahi,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 July 2026
Noun
Sacramento County sheriff’s and FBI bomb technicians disposed and tested the explosive.
—
Darrell Smith,
Sacbee.com,
2 June 2026
The explosive detonated in Biak Numfor Regency in Indonesia's Papua Province on Sunday, May 31, leaving at least five people dead and five others hospitalized with injuries, The Jakarta Globe and Antara reported, citing local authorities.
—
Bailey Richards,
PEOPLE,
31 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for explosive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explosive
Adjective
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Indie Shakes managing director David Melville distills his production around scenes of intense conflict.
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As the planet warms, extreme heat events are becoming more common, intense and long-lasting.
Adjective
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Dinah Voyles Pulver, a national correspondent for USA TODAY, writes about violent weather, climate change and other news.
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English soccer fans have earned a reputation for violent hooliganism, hurling plastic chairs and brawling their way across the piazzas and boulevards of Europe.
Noun
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But with the righty and the Yankees donning stars and stripes themed jerseys, bombs began bursting in the humid Bronx air shortly after Saturday’s game began.
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Each city and many organizations had their own displays of rockets and aerial bombs, the largest one in this area being at Walt Disney World.
Adjective
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The jockeys take on months of intensive training in order to ride in the Ladies’ Race.
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On the flip side, semiconductor manufacturing is one of the most complex and energy-intensive industrial processes in the world, with emissions projected to reach 277 million metric tons of CO₂ equivalent by 2030.
Adjective
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Speaking of, Ross asked Janssen about the steamy bathhouse scene during which Xenia and Bond face off in an encounter that is both flirty and ferocious.
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In 2018, a blaze east of Athens moved with ferocious speed, killing more than 100 people.
Noun
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The company makes radar and electronic warfare systems, as well as torpedo defense countermeasures.
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The submarine will be able to carry a mixed load of up to 18 heavyweight torpedoes and SM39 Exocet missiles.
Adjective
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Its young people are increasingly educated and ambitious but many are frustrated over fierce competition for limited jobs.
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The Pride and Angel City have established a fierce rivalry in their short history.
Adjective
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The Kang Kon was unveiled a month after the Choe Hyon in May 2025, but it was damaged during a botched launch at the northern port of Chongjin, prompting a furious response from Kim.
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Croatia still furious Despite the correct decision being made, Croatia manager Zlatko Dalić was far from happy, saying VAR had ruined the spirit of the game.
Cite this Entry
“Explosive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explosive. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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