explosive

1 of 2

adjective

ex·​plo·​sive ik-ˈsplō-siv How to pronounce explosive (audio)
-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

explosive

2 of 2

noun

1
: an explosive substance
2
: a consonant characterized by explosion in its articulation when it occurs in certain environments : stop

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
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.
Adjective
Los Aptos represent the explosive future that, alongside the success of artists like León, regional Mexican music can achieve within the next half-decade. Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 3 Feb. 2025 Van de Ven’s presence will mean Tottenham can afford to push up high knowing the Dutchman has the explosive pace to track back and sweep up Brentford’s attacks. Oli Gamp, The Athletic, 2 Feb. 2025
Noun
At roughly 3:45 in the morning, three hooded figures broke into the Dutch museum using explosives to open a locked door. Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 27 Jan. 2025 Secondary blasts from Hamas explosives inside these buildings could worsen the damage. Abdel Kareem Hana and Tia Goldenberg, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for explosive 

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1696, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1773, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of explosive was in 1696

Dictionary Entries Near explosive

Cite this Entry

“Explosive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/explosive. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

explosive

1 of 2 adjective
ex·​plo·​sive ik-ˈsplō-siv How to pronounce explosive (audio)
-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

More from Merriam-Webster on explosive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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