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
The most powerful reconnection events can liberate enough energy to produce solar flares and exploding magnetic filaments that result in CMEs.
—
Keith Cooper, Space.com, 1 Apr. 2025
The 1992 festival faced logistical nightmares when Pearl Jam’s popularity exploded between booking and touring — and the band was slotted to play in early afternoon.
—Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 30 Mar. 2025
As stablecoin usage explodes to 30 million monthly active addresses (a 53% increase year-over-year according to Dune Analytics) their real-world utility is becoming impossible to ignore.
—Boaz Sobrado, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Air raid sirens rang out and exploding interceptor rockets were heard in Jerusalem.
—Wafaa Shurafa and Samy Magdy, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explode
Keith Cooper, Space.com, 1 Apr. 2025
The 1992 festival faced logistical nightmares when Pearl Jam’s popularity exploded between booking and touring — and the band was slotted to play in early afternoon.
—Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 30 Mar. 2025
As stablecoin usage explodes to 30 million monthly active addresses (a 53% increase year-over-year according to Dune Analytics) their real-world utility is becoming impossible to ignore.
—Boaz Sobrado, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Air raid sirens rang out and exploding interceptor rockets were heard in Jerusalem.
—Wafaa Shurafa and Samy Magdy, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explode
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explode
Verb
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His wife, Shannon, a Navy cryptologist, was killed in 2019 along with three other Americans when a suicide bomber detonated his vest outside a restaurant in Manbij, in northern Syria.—
arkansasonline.com,
arkansasonline.com,
23 Mar. 2025
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Unhappy with the direction of his career, the 31-year-old director intentionally detonated it by going back to his hometown of Baton Rouge to make this $250,000 experimental film, starring himself, with a small crew of close collaborators over the course of nine months.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
14 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Over the past year, women’s sports have shattered viewership records.—
Cheryl Robinson,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
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Israeli military’s response resumed last month, shattering a ceasefire.—
Justin Spike,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The reaction by members of Greenland's parliament and residents has rendered that unlikely, with anger erupting over the Trump administration’s attempts to annex the vast Arctic island.—
PHILIP CROWTHER,
Time,
28 Mar. 2025
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Tensions ran high and in some cases erupted into violence during several Tarrant County Commissioners Court meetings following Yancy’s death.—
Cody Copeland,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
27 Mar. 2025
Verb
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On the afternoon of March 12, a press release from the Environmental Protection Agency announcing a reconsideration of President Joe Biden’s plan to cut power plant emissions popped into journalists’ emails.—
Jan Ellen Spiegel,
Hartford Courant,
28 Mar. 2025
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The show, which has popped up around Chicago and Evanston regularly since August, offers a safe space for performers and a reminder to audiences of the power of creativity.—
Jennifer Day,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The truck's windshield was smashed and debris, including shattered glass, was strewn across the street.—
Michael Dorgan,
FOXNews.com,
1 Apr. 2025
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Michael Conforto helped double the lead in the third, smashing an RBI double off the wall two at-bats before Tommy Edman lifted a near-grand slam to the warning track in center for a sacrifice fly.—
Jack Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Apr. 2025
Verb
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What used to build brands now risks blowing them up.—
Remy Blumenfeld,
HollywoodReporter,
5 Apr. 2025
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Miles Caton blew me away and Michael B. jordan is incredible.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
4 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The station shares a name with Spurs’ former home, which overlapped this site and was demolished as the modern structure, which opened in April 2019, was built.—
Caoimhe O'Neill,
New York Times,
7 Apr. 2025
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Though the interior of the building was demolished, the Art Deco facade was and is still considered a historical landmark and remains intact.—
Harrison Richlin,
IndieWire,
6 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Since bursting onto the scene as a freshman, Janiah has carried a heavy load for Seminole Ridge, showcasing not only her scoring ability but also her all-around impact on the game.—
Gary Curreri,
Sun Sentinel,
28 Mar. 2025
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Today’s styles run the gamut from nostalgic hearts and classic knots to bursting stars and beachy swirls.—
Abby Morgan Lebet,
Glamour,
27 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Explode.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explode. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
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