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
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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
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Recent Examples of explode
Mortars, or large, powerful fireworks that explode high in the air.
—
Quinn Clark, jsonline.com, 17 July 2025
The announcement comes two weeks after an unpermitted fireworks warehouse exploded in Esparto, killing seven people.
—Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2025
This can include exploding upward with a vertical jump, bounding side to side, or swiftly changing directions.
—Jenny McCoy, SELF, 15 July 2025
What Is Happening in Cape Coral? Cape Coral's housing market exploded during the pandemic, when thousands of out-of-state newcomers flocked to the relatively affordable Florida paradise, snatching up for-sale homes and driving up prices.
—Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for explode
Quinn Clark, jsonline.com, 17 July 2025
The announcement comes two weeks after an unpermitted fireworks warehouse exploded in Esparto, killing seven people.
—Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2025
This can include exploding upward with a vertical jump, bounding side to side, or swiftly changing directions.
—Jenny McCoy, SELF, 15 July 2025
What Is Happening in Cape Coral? Cape Coral's housing market exploded during the pandemic, when thousands of out-of-state newcomers flocked to the relatively affordable Florida paradise, snatching up for-sale homes and driving up prices.
—Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for explode
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explode
Verb
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At the same time, a squad attempts to raid the lab, leading to a massive shoot-out culminating with the drug dealers detonating an explosive, destroying the lab.—
Keith Langston,
People.com,
17 July 2025
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In 1945: The Manhattan Project successfully detonated the world’s first atomic bomb at Alamogordo, New Mexico.—
Lorenzino Estrada,
AZCentral.com,
16 July 2025
Verb
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Kurt's key takeaways The Elmo hack shattered more than just a cheerful digital persona.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
20 July 2025
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That seeming consensus, under sustained attack, was shattered this week.—
David Folkenflik,
NPR,
18 July 2025
Verb
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The stadium continued to erupt with cheers as Beyoncé stood in awe, moved by the energy and love surrounding her.—
Caché McClay,
USA Today,
26 July 2025
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Clashes erupted elsewhere in the city over the federal government’s drive to promote Hindi – a language closely tied to the BJP’s northern power base and often seen as central to the party’s vision of national unity and Hindu identity.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
26 July 2025
Verb
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Though their first meet-up was riddled with a series of mishaps, Rainier popped the question to her seven months later during Christmas.—
Michelle Lee,
People.com,
15 July 2025
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Kids can pop one in the microwave for about 7-10 minutes, depending on size, and then again, add their favorite topping or a completely customizable meal.—
Stephanie Ganz,
Parents,
15 July 2025
Verb
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Back came Gunther, and both wrestlers smashed into each other, shoulder-first.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
13 July 2025
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Kidd, Castagnoli and Yuta took out Ospreay and then smashed his head in between a chair.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
13 July 2025
Verb
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Kaus was setting up the umbrella when a gust of wind blew her off a lifeguard stand, dropping her on the point end of the 1-inch metal pole, NJ.com reported.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
21 July 2025
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In the marquee Challenger matchup of the weekend, a rematch of the Mid-Season final, Las Vegas blew the doors off of Nashville.—
Todd Boss,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
Verb
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The kids division, ages 5 to 11, was tasked with demolishing a singular slice, or one-fourth, of an entire pie.—
Olivia Cyrus
July 23,
Sacbee.com,
24 July 2025
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That includes plans to demolish the building this summer.—
Tom Daykin,
jsonline.com,
23 July 2025
Verb
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An instant later, six-foot-tall flames burst upward in blazing pillars, followed by an intoxicating waft of garlic, lemon and herbs that permeated the air over a crowd of awed onlookers.—
Luis Melecio-Zambrano,
Mercury News,
25 July 2025
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What transpires is a film bursting at the seams with heart, adored by laymen and critics alike.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
25 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Explode.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explode. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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