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
Another standout sequence is the exploding glass pool scene, which was featured in the film’s trailer.
—
Michaela Zee, Variety, 12 Apr. 2025
But, as last night's finale demonstrated, that heart may be on the verge of exploding.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 11 Apr. 2025
The slug exploded a shower of frost low and behind the deer.
—Jeffrey A. Brunk, Outdoor Life, 10 Apr. 2025
Another package from Vilnius exploded in Birmingham, England, and a third burst into flames at a Polish courier firm.
—Tomas Dapkus, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explode
Michaela Zee, Variety, 12 Apr. 2025
But, as last night's finale demonstrated, that heart may be on the verge of exploding.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 11 Apr. 2025
The slug exploded a shower of frost low and behind the deer.
—Jeffrey A. Brunk, Outdoor Life, 10 Apr. 2025
Another package from Vilnius exploded in Birmingham, England, and a third burst into flames at a Polish courier firm.
—Tomas Dapkus, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explode
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explode
Verb
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Trump has declared an all-out war on globalism, detonating every one of America's trading relationships — allies and adversaries alike — by imposing the largest tariffs in nearly a century.—
Axios,
Axios,
9 Apr. 2025
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Then, the supernova explosion — one with more power than a thousand trillion trillion nuclear bombs — will detonate.—
Julian Dossett,
Space.com,
7 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Trump and Musk are truly onions made of glass: shiny orbs of one insubstantial layer over another, with nothing in the center, liable to be shattered under the slightest pressure.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Apr. 2025
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And amid the challenges, there’s a growing push for transparency in the beauty industry, especially as entrepreneurs are speaking out more about the realities of running a business, shattering the illusion of effortless success.—
Kimberly Wilson,
Essence,
12 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Delta flight evacuated before takeoff after flames seen in engine Passengers aboard a Delta flight at Orlando International Airport in Florida were evacuated on Monday after flames were seen erupting from one of the plane’s engines.—
Stephen Sorace,
FOXNews.com,
21 Apr. 2025
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For a week, Loíza erupts in celebration with parades, bomba performances and colorful processions honoring the town’s patron saint.—
Melissa Rose Cooper,
Essence,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Since Combs' last pretrial court appearance on April 18, only a handful of entries have popped up in the New York federal case.—
KiMi Robinson,
USA Today,
24 Apr. 2025
-
Duolingo — Shares popped 4% following Morgan Stanley’s initiation at overweight.—
Sean Conlon,
CNBC,
23 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Kamikaze sank their first ship on Oct. 25, 1944, when a navy Zero pilot smashed into the USS St. Lo in the Philippine Sea while carrying a pair of 550-pound bombs.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2025
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Carlson was wearing a helmet and smashing the windows of the apartment, and going in and out of the house to get gas cans from his truck, the document said.—
Mitchell Willetts,
Kansas City Star,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
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April 17, 2025 The wind gusts could blow around unsecured objects and a few power outages may occur, the National Weather Service advised.—
Ashley Fredde,
Idaho Statesman,
17 Apr. 2025
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Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
17 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Purdy put his reporter’s hat back on and dug up that the 38 S. Fifth St. house — which would have sat in the plaza just south of the city council chambers — was demolished after an arson fire damaged it beyond repair.—
Sal Pizarro,
Mercury News,
19 Apr. 2025
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In Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, residents said the Israeli military demolished more homes in the city, which has all come under Israeli control in the past days in what Israeli leaders said was an expansion of security zones in Gaza to put more pressure on Hamas to release remaining hostages.—
Nidal al-Mughrabi,
USA Today,
16 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Coogler burst onto the scene with the indie hit Fruitvale Station before going on to direct Creed and the Black Panther franchise (the latter two both starred Jordan).—
Pamela McClintock,
HollywoodReporter,
19 Apr. 2025
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Culture Club burst onto the UK new romantic scene in 1981 and became one of the most defining and influential bands of their generation.—
Katcy Stephan,
Variety,
16 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Explode.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explode. Accessed 27 Apr. 2025.
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