ex·plo·sive
ik-ˈsplō-siv 
-ziv
1
a
: relating to, characterized by, or operated by explosion
an explosive hatch
b
: resulting from or as if from an explosion
explosive population growth
2
a
: tending to explode
an explosive person
b
: likely to erupt in or produce hostile reaction or violence
an explosive situation
explosively
adverb
explosiveness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of explosive in a Sentence
Adjective
He has an explosive temper.
there's been an explosive interest in the sport since the Olympics
Recent Examples on the Web
Alexandria Sands, Axios, 5 Nov. 2024
Its unusually explosive bloom is attributed to excess nitrogen and phosphorus being discarded into our oceans from industrial activity across the world.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024
David Axe, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024
Instead, they get hemmed in and end up stuck in the car like ducks, saved only by an inspired move from Daryl: shooting up a couple walkers with extra super-serum, turning them into walking explosives to disable the other walkers.
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 27 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for explosive 
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Adjective
Down ballot are many other high-profile races, from the explosive governor's race to a battle over the GOP's grip on the supermajority.
—Alexandria Sands, Axios, 5 Nov. 2024
Its unusually explosive bloom is attributed to excess nitrogen and phosphorus being discarded into our oceans from industrial activity across the world.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024
Noun
Barreling headlong into the Ukrainian army—the 61st Mechanized Brigade and 17th Tank Brigade, apparently—the Russian marines met a wall of steel and explosives.
—David Axe, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024
Instead, they get hemmed in and end up stuck in the car like ducks, saved only by an inspired move from Daryl: shooting up a couple walkers with extra super-serum, turning them into walking explosives to disable the other walkers.
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 27 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for explosive
Dictionary Entries Near explosive
Cite this Entry
“Explosive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/explosive. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
explosive
1 of 2 adjective
ex·plo·sive
ik-ˈsplō-siv
-ziv
1
: able to cause explosion
the explosive power of gunpowder
2
: likely to explode
an explosive temper
explosively
adverb
explosiveness
noun
explosive
2 of 2 noun
: an explosive substance
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