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
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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
Christopher Claxton, Billboard, 15 Apr. 2025
But players grew tired of that explosive coaching style, finding his outbursts a stale method of getting through to them, according to multiple sources familiar with their thinking.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 11 Apr. 2025
Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2025
His daring base jump off a cliff—after setting off a series of explosives in a cave to take out a monastic cult—onto the top of a hot air balloon that closes the film was done in two stages.
—ArsTechnica, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explosive
Adjective
When an artist has that kind of dedicated fan base, he’s poised for this kind of explosive moment.
—Christopher Claxton, Billboard, 15 Apr. 2025
But players grew tired of that explosive coaching style, finding his outbursts a stale method of getting through to them, according to multiple sources familiar with their thinking.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 11 Apr. 2025
Noun
Ronin and his landmine-sniffing rat pack are making a name for rodents everywhere by saving innocent civilians from hidden explosives.
—Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2025
His daring base jump off a cliff—after setting off a series of explosives in a cave to take out a monastic cult—onto the top of a hot air balloon that closes the film was done in two stages.
—ArsTechnica, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explosive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explosive
Adjective
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Whether singing a cappella or accompanied by her guitar to hundreds or thousands of people − at a small venue or an awards show − Lafourcade's performances feel visceral, intense and intimate all at once.—
Pamela Avila,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
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In place of intense (and potentially irritating) acids, Mediheal's Madecassoside Blemish Pads target breakouts and breakout-causing bacteria with anti-inflammatory powerhouses madecassoside and cica.—
Sarah Han,
Allure,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Under the plan, the department will also combine two bureaus focused on arms control and eliminate units focused on countering violent extremism from the department’s counterterrorism bureau.—
Shannon K. Kingston,
ABC News,
22 Apr. 2025
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Related: Trump administration captured 'very violent' top street gang leader.—
Krystal Nurse,
USA Today,
22 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Investigations revealed assailants had used a sticky bomb to ignite the fire, causing 4 pilgrim deaths and over 20 injuries.—
Ross Rosenfeld,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 Apr. 2025
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The team also located at least three planes aboard the vessel, including a Douglas SBD Dauntless that still had a bomb attached to it.—
Sarah Kuta,
Smithsonian Magazine,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Since early March, Israel has cut Gaza off from the supply of humanitarian aid including food, with aid agencies warning that the situation for the strip’s 2 million civilians has deteriorated dangerously, only worsened by intensive Israeli military operations.—
Irene Nasser,
CNN Money,
15 Apr. 2025
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Now, more than six months after first complaining of stomach pain, Butlin started her first three-month course of intensive chemotherapy on April 8.—
Vanessa Etienne,
People.com,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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In other words, if Instagram had even somewhat appeared as a future threat to Facebook or Facebook’s competition, there would have been a ferocious bidding war for Instagram that would have pushed its purchase price far, far above $1 billion.—
John Tamny,
Forbes.com,
16 Apr. 2025
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There’s scenario No. 1: Either Carter, a ferocious All-American pass rusher, or Hunter, a generational wide receiver-cornerback hybrid, is available, and the Patriots can add a premium talent at a position of need in what can only be described as a front-office dream.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
16 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The quote, from a Deadspin article , refers to the torpedo bats many players on the New York Yankees are using.—
Alex Sherman,
CNBC,
17 Apr. 2025
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In that light, torpedo bats might not produce baseball’s next great leap forward.—
John Cairney,
Sportico.com,
15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Melania Trump has courted controversy, garnered attention for her fashion Trump's fashion choices are the subject of fierce controversy and constant attention.—
Jay Stahl,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2025
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Seven new projects debut on the 15-spot roster, making competition surprisingly fierce.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Overanalyzing every win and loss will make your journey feel more turbulent than necessary.—
Nelson Chu,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
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Interesting, turbulent life (including 22 years in prison).—
Jay Nordlinger,
National Review,
14 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Explosive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explosive. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
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