as in to explode
to break open or into pieces usually because of internal pressure
the bomb detonated with a thunder that could be heard for blocks in all directions
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Recent Examples of detonate
Seconds later, the charges detonated, blowing out windows on several stories of the building.
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David Axe, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
Police in Fairfield are investigating an incident involving homemade explosive devices that detonated, resulting in a man suffering significant hand injuries.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 3 Dec. 2024
The first bomb detonated at Chiron Life Science Center in Emeryville, California, on Aug. 28, 2003, federal agents said.
—Krystal Nurse, USA TODAY, 27 Nov. 2024
On Wednesday, a suicide bomber disguised himself as a visitor to the Ministry of Refugees compound, detonating his bomb as Haqqani was signing paperwork, a ministry spokesperson told CNN.
—Catherine Nicholls, CNN, 11 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for detonate 
David Axe, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
Police in Fairfield are investigating an incident involving homemade explosive devices that detonated, resulting in a man suffering significant hand injuries.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 3 Dec. 2024
The first bomb detonated at Chiron Life Science Center in Emeryville, California, on Aug. 28, 2003, federal agents said.
—Krystal Nurse, USA TODAY, 27 Nov. 2024
On Wednesday, a suicide bomber disguised himself as a visitor to the Ministry of Refugees compound, detonating his bomb as Haqqani was signing paperwork, a ministry spokesperson told CNN.
—Catherine Nicholls, CNN, 11 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for detonate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detonate
Verb
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The launch failure this week followed the first attempt to launch the Kairos rocket in March, when the launcher exploded just five seconds after liftoff.Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 20 Dec. 2024
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The scores come after an incredibly tumultuous year for schools across the country, as issues surrounding the Israel-Hamas war exploded on campuses in the form of protests and encampments.Angele Latham, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Gardner-Johnson’s play redeemed his ejection after two unsportsmanlike penalties last week when the Eagles blew a two-score lead to the Washington Commanders.Brooks Kubena, The Athletic, 29 Dec. 2024
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Milk, the drink of choice for an adult about to just absolutely blow someone’s back out.Allison P. Davis, Vulture, 27 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Some social media users have commented on his physical appearance and called him a hero, and accounts providing updates on Mangione have popped up on sites like X, formerly known as Twitter.Molly Bohannon, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
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The couple first made their relationship Instagram official in August 2022, and the next year, Jutes popped the question, on Dec. 16, 2023.Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 17 Dec. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Detonate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detonate. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.
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