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
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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
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of explode
Security video footage posted to Barrera’s Facebook page shows someone igniting and stoking flames inside the car, then fleeing before the vehicle is engulfed and eventually explodes.
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Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Jan. 2026
The room exploded in gasps and cheers.
—Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 9 Jan. 2026
The 49ers stored that emotion and exploded on the Eagles the following season, scoring touchdowns on six straight possession for a 42-19 win that may have been the zenith of Shanahan’s career as a regular-season coach.
—Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026
And like her daughter, who also has a new pixie in the finale, the wine bottle-slashing, laundry-exploding Karen has changed a lot.
—Meg Walters, InStyle, 9 Jan. 2026
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Recent Examples of Synonyms for explode
Verb
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Prosecutors said that during an interview with investigators after his arrest, Cole confessed to constructing the devices, filling them with explosive powder and setting the timers to detonate.—
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In a post on Telegram, Kiper said a two-story residential building was damaged and that a drone hit an apartment on the 17th floor of a high-rise building without detonating.—
Verb
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The Creature is slowed, however, when gunfire shatters the ice around its feet, plunging it into the cold sea.—
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Troconis’ case for being a cooperating witness was shattered when Dulos died after attempting to commit suicide in January 2020, Bowman testified.—
Verb
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Protests have erupted in American cities since.—
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Near the airport, some confrontations erupted on Thursday and Friday between smaller groups of protesters and agents guarding the federal building used as a base for the Twin Cities crackdown.—
Verb
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Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.—
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Somehow, this new sensation emitted an awareness of the magnitude in which skateboarding would warp my life, which only ratcheted up the anxiety of blowing it.—
Verb
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The conservative impulse — skepticism of sweeping change, respect for traditions, wariness of unintended consequences — can prevent politics from becoming a moral joyride that smashes against the guardrails and calls it courage.—
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As Hodges stood there, scared and vulnerable, the man grabbed his baton and bashed him on the head with it, rupturing his lip and smashing his skull.—
Verb
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No injuries were reported after the incident, but airport staff who witnessed the landing described hearing multiple popping sounds as the wheels hit the tarmac followed by visible smoke.—
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The year before that, massive floating clown heads popped up in Downtown Crossing alleys, giving people a reason to look up from their phones.—
Verb
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It is designed to mirror the East Wing addition after the previous building was demolished last year.—
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In order to do so, the city has to acquire the land and purchase the properties — valued at $22 million total — and demolish them, causing several businesses to close or relocate to make way for the project.—
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Is your play area bursting at the seams?—
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Hill burst upon the local high school scene as a sophomore, earning Central Texas newcomer of the year honors in 2023 after rushing for 1,428 yards and 20 touchdowns.—
Cite this Entry
“Explode.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explode. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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