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
Brian Mazique, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025
The Eagles ranked first in the NFL in explosive pass percentage allowed, surrendering completions of 16-plus yards on only 10.3 percent of pass attempts faced.
—Matt Schneidman, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025
Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 9 Jan. 2025
Snow safety personnel, who are also in the union, ski in avalanche terrain and throw explosives to trigger avalanches to ensure guest safety.
—David Goodman, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for explosive 
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Adjective
Keep an eye on the explosive Abdul Razak Alhassan vs. Cesar Almeida.
—Brian Mazique, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025
The Eagles ranked first in the NFL in explosive pass percentage allowed, surrendering completions of 16-plus yards on only 10.3 percent of pass attempts faced.
—Matt Schneidman, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
This core component contains a gas such as deuterium and tritium that is encased in chemical explosives.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 9 Jan. 2025
Snow safety personnel, who are also in the union, ski in avalanche terrain and throw explosives to trigger avalanches to ensure guest safety.
—David Goodman, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025
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 20 Jan. 2025.
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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