ex·plo·sive
ik-ˈsplō-siv 
-ziv
1
a
: relating to, characterized by, or operated by explosion
an explosive hatch
b
: resulting from or as if from an explosion
explosive population growth
2
a
: tending to explode
an explosive person
b
: likely to erupt in or produce hostile reaction or violence
an explosive situation
explosively
adverb
explosiveness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of explosive in a Sentence
Adjective
He has an explosive temper.
there's been an explosive interest in the sport since the Olympics
Recent Examples on the Web
Michael Saponara, Billboard, 25 Oct. 2024
On top of the explosive secrets, a car bomb shatters the windows of the Sistine Chapel.
—Olivia B. Waxman, TIME, 25 Oct. 2024
Afp, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2024
In 2011, a far-right extremist placed a van full of explosives in the government center, causing a blast that killed eight people and wounded more than 200.
—Jackie Mader, The Christian Science Monitor, 15 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for explosive 
Adjective
Just about every aspect of Kendrick Lamar and Drake’s artistry has been picked apart over the course of the months since their explosive feud in the second quarter of the year.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 25 Oct. 2024
On top of the explosive secrets, a car bomb shatters the windows of the Sistine Chapel.
—Olivia B. Waxman, TIME, 25 Oct. 2024
Noun
The United States and European Union have sanctioned the Sverdlov plant, one of Russia’s largest manufacturers of military explosives.
—Afp, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2024
In 2011, a far-right extremist placed a van full of explosives in the government center, causing a blast that killed eight people and wounded more than 200.
—Jackie Mader, The Christian Science Monitor, 15 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for explosive
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'explosive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near explosive
Cite this Entry
“Explosive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/explosive. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
explosive
1 of 2 adjective
ex·plo·sive
ik-ˈsplō-siv
-ziv
1
: able to cause explosion
the explosive power of gunpowder
2
: likely to explode
an explosive temper
explosively
adverb
explosiveness
noun
explosive
2 of 2 noun
: an explosive substance
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share