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
Relevance
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of explode
Intense recriminations followed the disaster after reports that local governments hadn’t taken many basic, relatively inexpensive steps to reduce the flammable vegetation that helps wildfires explode.
—
U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 May 2025
The last two tests ended when the spacecraft’s first stage exploded.
—Alex Knapp, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
The theory exploded into public consciousness in February after Sammi Tannor Cohen (@sammicohentalks) and co-creator @thebestmarketingnewsletterever posted a Substack essay and subsequent Instagram post on the subject.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
During the two most recent Starship launches, the vehicle's upper stage exploded over the Atlantic Ocean, showering chunks of debris across a wide stretch and creating a artificial meteor shower for people across The Bahamas and Florida's Space Coast.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for explode
U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 May 2025
The last two tests ended when the spacecraft’s first stage exploded.
—Alex Knapp, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
The theory exploded into public consciousness in February after Sammi Tannor Cohen (@sammicohentalks) and co-creator @thebestmarketingnewsletterever posted a Substack essay and subsequent Instagram post on the subject.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
During the two most recent Starship launches, the vehicle's upper stage exploded over the Atlantic Ocean, showering chunks of debris across a wide stretch and creating a artificial meteor shower for people across The Bahamas and Florida's Space Coast.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for explode
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explode
Verb
-
On Saturday morning, a bomb was detonated at American Reproductive Centers in Palm Springs, destroying much of the building, injuring four people and killing the bomber.—
Paige St. John,
Los Angeles Times,
20 May 2025
-
Like many Americans, Dr. Garwin grew concerned when Moscow that summer detonated its first atom bomb.—
William J. Broad,
New York Times,
19 May 2025
Verb
-
But the illusion of paradise is shattered when another guest is found dead and Gabriel becomes the prime suspect.—
Laura Thompson,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
-
The Dolphins haven’t had a route runner like him since Randy McMichael, whose single-season receptions and yards produced record, which was set in 2004, Smith shattered.—
Omar Kelly,
Miami Herald,
21 May 2025
Verb
-
Violent riots erupted across the U.K. after the attack, in which mosques and migrant accommodation were largely targeted.—
Callum Sutherland,
Time,
27 May 2025
-
The volcano is also located in the national park and last erupted in 2022.—
Kerry Breen,
CBS News,
26 May 2025
Verb
-
Nvidia shares popped more than 6% in the premarket following the release.—
Sean Conlon,
CNBC,
29 May 2025
-
Beginning with Lollapalooza Berlin presented by Telekom, July 12–13, the immersive experiences will also pop up at Lollapalooza stops in Chicago, July 31 – August 3, The Town 2025 in São Paulo, Lollapalooza India in Mumbai and Lollapalooza Brazil.—
Cathy Applefeld Olson,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
Verb
-
That served as a prelude to Tim Anderson smashing his own two-run shot off Zack Britton in the bottom of the inning to send the White Sox home winners.—
Tim Britton,
New York Times,
30 May 2025
-
He’s often found smashing things in the name of justice but can still be angered easily if things don’t go his way.—
Sarah Scott,
Parents,
30 May 2025
Verb
-
The weather can play a role too; rain can wash pollen from the air, while a windy day can blow it around, increasing your allergy symptoms.2 How Can You Prevent Allergy Symptoms?—
Kelly Burch Published,
Verywell Health,
23 May 2025
-
Julia snuck some matchstick carrots into the potato mixture, then blew my socks off with a punchy, springy topping of feta, mint, dill, and chives.—
Josh Miller,
Southern Living,
23 May 2025
Verb
-
Facing greater competition and sensing more opportunity, the owners decided to close the hotel at the end of May and demolish the building next year.—
Vinod Sreeharsha,
Miami Herald,
20 May 2025
-
Its current office building in the area would be demolished.—
Chris Higgins,
Kansas City Star,
20 May 2025
Verb
-
Broadcast integrations included Stitch bursting onto the sets of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune and SportsCenter.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
25 May 2025
-
Some participants carried American flags as children burst through a paper border wall.—
Riley Robinson,
Christian Science Monitor,
17 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Explode.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explode. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share