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
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
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 
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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
Dictionary Entries Near explosive
Cite this Entry
“Explosive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/explosive. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
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
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