blowup 1 of 2

blow up

2 of 2

verb

1
2
as in to detonate
to break open or into pieces usually because of internal pressure the building blew up because of a gas leak

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in to smash
to cause to break open or into pieces by or as if by an explosive blew up the biggest rocks and then cleared them away

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4

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 blowup
Noun
Since their blowup in the season-seven finale, Bre admits during her ice bath with Chrishell that Chelsea has attempted to be nice to her in social situations. Anne Victoria Clark, Vulture, 6 Sep. 2024 So eventually, unspoken frustrations (socks on the floor, too many nights out, a pattern of flakiness) build into resentment, which can leak out in the form of unproductive, passive-aggressive comments or more explosive, potentially hurtful blowups. Jenna Ryu, SELF, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
The whole week was knocked into a cocked hat when the White House meeting with Zelensky blew up. Paul Bedard, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 1 Mar. 2025 Leather and fur were blown up to dramatic proportions, while button-up polos—typically crisp and corporate—were inflated to the extreme, challenging the rigidity of traditional office attire. Tiana Randall, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for blowup
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blowup
Noun
  • And Aeromexico is giving denizens of the Valley of the Sun a new option to Mexico City’s diverse cultural scene, delicious food, and historic sights.
    Edward Russell, Travel + Leisure, 1 Mar. 2025
  • There are at least eight candidates already in the race and lawmakers who do not want him back in office have been working behind the scenes to draft additional candidates to fend off Cuomo’s candidacy.
    Gloria Pazmino, CNN, 1 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • While such an eruption of fires is rare, Wood, the South Carolina Forestry Commission spokesperson, told NBC affiliate WCBD of Charleston over the weekend that the region is in peak fire season weather.
    Dennis Romero, NBC News, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Instead, based on observations of more recent eruptions, an extremely hot ash cloud that dissipated quickly could have created the conditions necessary for the vitrification of human brain tissue to occur, the study concluded.
    Katie Hunt, CNN, 27 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The brand also angered left-leaning customers because of its conciliatory response to right-wing attacks.
    Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN, 28 Feb. 2025
  • The meeting angered Democrats, who were horrified by Trump and Vice President Vance's conduct.
    Andrew Solender, Axios, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Fireworks, gas tanks and camping fuel in the truck's bed are believed to have been detonated using a device operated by the driver.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Dive towards the ground, dealing damage to enemies and detonating any Flame Fields hit.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • And being choked at the age of 80 while your face is being smashed into the ground?
    Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Her shop’s front glass door was smashed and her point of sale system, electronics and some merchandise were taken.
    Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 5 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • While the clip left viewers cracking up, many weren't surprised about this cat's late-night shenanigans.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 12 Feb. 2025
  • And then now imagine the pothole gets a little bit bigger and a little bit deeper and the road's a little bit more cracked up.
    Dana Taylor, USA TODAY, 6 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Volunteers were charged around 25 cents per huff, bringing in good profit for those who’d invested in the necessary gas tanks, tubes, and breathing bags.
    Oshan Jarow, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
  • The huffs and hums, produced by two women standing face-to-face and vocalizing from their throats, is believed to be one of the oldest music forms in the world.
    Lale Arikoglu, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Aug. 2024
Noun
  • Given the explosion of WNBA collectibles — a Caitlin Clark rookie card sold for $234,850 back in December, or roughly the current max salary a WNBA player can earn under the current CBA — this is some extremely high-value territory.
    Howard Megdal, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Plans for the upcoming flight test, which SpaceX CEO Elon Musk announced this week, come a little more than a month since the last Starship launch ended in an explosion minutes after lifting off from Starbase in South Texas.
    Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Blowup.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blowup. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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