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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An explosion detonates during the 25-second video.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
7 Apr. 2025
-
Hamas is repurposing Israeli bombs that failed to detonate to booby-trap buildings and roads in preparation for another Israeli invasion.—
Amos Harel,
Foreign Affairs,
7 Apr. 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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However, predicting if and when such jets could erupt from Sgr A* again isn't as easy as spotting evidence of its historical activity.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
24 Mar. 2025
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Fury erupted on the streets, which quickly devolved into burning and looting.—
George B. Sánchez-Tello,
Rolling Stone,
23 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index popped over 2%, leading gains in the region.—
Yeo Boon Ping,
CNBC,
14 Apr. 2025
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Up next, a ubiquitous presence on television, unafraid of controversy, sounding off on everything from sports to pop culture to politics.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
13 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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Raphinha gets the ball in space and smashes home from the edge of the box.—
Michael Cox,
New York Times,
9 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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Reliever Jorge Alcala blew a 99 mph fastball past Altuve in the seventh as the Astros star reached four strikeouts for the first time in a game since 2021.—
Dan Hayes,
New York Times,
4 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The city never demolished the building.—
Desiree Mathurin,
Charlotte Observer,
25 Mar. 2025
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The city did not share if the pool would be demolished, nor what is planned for the site.—
Eleanor Nash,
Kansas City Star,
23 Mar. 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 18 Apr. 2025.
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