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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of explosive
Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2025
Given that a Claymore is a curved block of C4 explosive with a layer of epoxy on the front embedded with about 700 ball bearings, the mine is a small, highly lethal munition.
—New Atlas, 24 Aug. 2025
Sandy Peng, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
The biggest new name is found pacing the sideline, though; Ben Johnson takes over as a first-time head coach, previously coordinating Detroit’s explosive scoring attack.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explosive
Adjective
Tillman had faced state felony counts for arson, vandalism and possessing explosives.
—Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2025
Given that a Claymore is a curved block of C4 explosive with a layer of epoxy on the front embedded with about 700 ball bearings, the mine is a small, highly lethal munition.
—New Atlas, 24 Aug. 2025
Noun
At the same time, this news headline led to many people looking into RWAs again – and discovering their quiet, but explosive growth.
—Sandy Peng, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
The biggest new name is found pacing the sideline, though; Ben Johnson takes over as a first-time head coach, previously coordinating Detroit’s explosive scoring attack.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explosive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explosive
Adjective
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Pyongyang has continued to exercise significant control over the population and severely restrict the rights and freedoms of its population, and that has only gotten more intense over the last decade.—
Mike Brest,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
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This question — which strikes at the heart of a perennial issue in American politics, frequently reignited by recurring mass shootings — sparked an intense partisan divide.—
Brendan Rascius,
Miami Herald,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The left is always, at all times and places, a violent phenomenon full of hatred.—
Ross O'Keefe,
The Washington Examiner,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Dinah Voyles Pulver, a national correspondent for USA TODAY, has written about hurricanes, tornadoes and violent weather for more than 30 years.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Afterward, Mitchell became the editor of Nuclear Times, the disarmament magazine, despite having no nuclear background other than some extravagant atomic-bomb drills in junior high in the fifties.—
Zach Helfand,
New Yorker,
15 Sep. 2025
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Drills started with a massive bang when several Russian fighter jets came streaking in at a low level, dropping bombs on mock targets.—
Frederik Pleitgen,
CNN Money,
15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Advertisement The flurry of updates came three days after Robinson was arrested following an intensive hunt for Kirk's killer.—
Richard Hall,
Time,
14 Sep. 2025
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Doing this requires massive system level integration and is resource intensive.—
Thomas Coughlin,
Forbes.com,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Just like that, Denver’s ferocious defensive front had turned a go-ahead scoring opportunity for the Titans into a punt.—
Nick Kosmider,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
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The conflict in Europe was mirrored by a ferocious debate between scientists and Spiritualists, each side fueled by the pain of their own private losses.—
Alice Vernon
September 8,
Literary Hub,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Director Edward Berger designed the experience to evoke visceral tension: rain droplets, torpedo corridors, and claustrophobic realism blur the line between viewer and scene.—
Charlie Fink,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
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The Newport News is additionally equipped with advanced sonar to support surveillance as well as Harpoon anti-ship missiles and Mark 48 torpedoes for potential interdiction of surface ships.—
Amir Daftari
John Feng,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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In the face of fierce opposition, Lyles supported bringing the Republican National Convention to Charlotte in 2020 — standing on her commitment to represent the entire city as mayor.—
Briah Lumpkins,
Charlotte Observer,
15 Sep. 2025
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In Paradise Bay, competition is fierce to attract high-end clientele and the standout offering at Maxx Royal is its two-story, 5,750-square-meter spa.—
Maureen O'Hare,
CNN Money,
15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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That's up 16% from 512,000 savers who broke into seven digits on their 401(k) statements in the first quarter's turbulent market.—
Susan Tompor,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
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The verdict was the final of three judgements against the powerful Shinawatra family, which has dominated Thailand’s turbulent and often violent political scene for more than 20 years.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
9 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Explosive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explosive. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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