EXPLOSIVE Synonyms: 124 Similar and Opposite Words

explosive 1 of 2

adjective

ik-ˈsplō-siv

Definition of explosive

as in intense

extreme in degree, power, or effect there's been an explosive interest in the sport since the Olympics

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in violent

marked by bursts of destructive force or intense activity one of the most explosive storms to hit that area of the coast in some time

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

explosive

2 of 2

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 explosive

Adjective

Confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis, the parasitic infection known for causing explosive diarrhea, have surpassed 17,000. — Jane Onyanga-Omara, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 European security officials officials said an explosive drone found at Leipzig/Halle airport in Germany fits a pattern of likely Russian aggression across Europe. — Catherine Belton, Washington Post, 26 Aug. 2026

Noun

Washington rewrites its wildfire rules In Spokane, dry conditions and extreme weather set the stage for the explosive wildfires in August. — Lauren Sommer, NPR, 17 Aug. 2026 The first drone seemingly detonated after crashing onto the gas tanks of La Negra Francisca, the crew recounted, while the second appears to have dropped an explosive. — Michael Rios, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for explosive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for explosive

Adjective

Utilities have raised rates to pay for wildfire prevention and recovery as climate change has made the blazes more intense and frequent.

— Sophie Austin, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026
Electrolyte beverages can help replenish hydration after an intense workout or stomach bug.

— Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of intense

Adjective

Their arrival comes during a violent week in Haiti; at least 47 people were killed and more than 50 others kidnapped, according to Haitian officials.

— Nathan Lee, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
Karilyn Orr, an internal safety and prevention specialist in the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, and Nick Jakubisin, a special agent in the Illinois State Police’s violent crimes unit, joined Hills in the presentation.

— Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of violent

Noun

Cage flattened Borden with a power bomb through a table in the corner.

— Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
In the village of Bilbasovka in eastern Ukraine, a 13-year-old child and an adult died after Russian troops dropped bombs on private houses Sunday, according to local official Vadim Lyakh.

— ABC News, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of bomb

Adjective

By the twentieth century, intensive farming practices had left the South dangerously vulnerable to erosion, producing depleted swaths of land where kudzu would later flourish.

— The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 26 Aug. 2026
The next day, Alex Pretti, an intensive-care nurse and a lifelong Catholic, was shot and killed by federal agents.

— Bill McKibben, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of intensive

Adjective

That was the last time Tamang saw Yangri, who was whisked away by ferocious flash floods that ripped through this part of the Himalayan nation earlier this week.

— Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026
The run game of Agoura is ferocious and experienced, but Westlake’s QB play is better.

— Ethan Hanson, Daily News, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of ferocious

Noun

The Waco, Texas, native died in 1943 during a Japanese torpedo attack in the Pacific.

— Michael Loria, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026
The third season ended with Kate discovering the plot orchestrated by Hal and President Grace (Janney) to steal a dangerous Russian nuclear torpedo — a plot she is now implicated in.

— Mya Copeland, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of torpedo

Adjective

Casemiro and Messi, fierce rivals when Casemiro was at Real Madrid and Messi at Barcelona, celebrated together, a rare sight for longtime La Liga fans.

— Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 30 Aug. 2026
Pearce was celebrating five years of Opry membership and would return later to channel many aspects of Dolly, from her humor and fierce independence to her Appalachian roots.

— Chris Parton, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of fierce

Adjective

Kavanagh was furious and repeatedly made her concerns clear to her superiors at Sky.

— Jake Kanter, Deadline, 29 Aug. 2026
Mother Love Bone had experienced the kind of instant success that made other local bands furious, signing a record deal after playing fewer than 10 shows.

— Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of furious

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“Explosive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explosive. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of explosive

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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