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
Despite his eagerness to explode treaties, shutter entire government agencies and abandon decades-old ways of doing things, the president understands that Social Security benefits for seniors are sacrosanct.
—
Eli Hager, ProPublica, 22 Feb. 2025
When iPhone users open their Safari browser, the cameras explode.
—Tripp Mickle, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025
When SpaceX’s Starship exploded in January, raining debris over the Caribbean, the Federal Aviation Administration temporarily grounded the rocket program and ordered an investigation.
—Heather Vogell, ProPublica, 11 Feb. 2025
The virus is not known to spread between humans, which has prevented the outbreak from exploding into the next pandemic.
—Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explode
Eli Hager, ProPublica, 22 Feb. 2025
When iPhone users open their Safari browser, the cameras explode.
—Tripp Mickle, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025
When SpaceX’s Starship exploded in January, raining debris over the Caribbean, the Federal Aviation Administration temporarily grounded the rocket program and ordered an investigation.
—Heather Vogell, ProPublica, 11 Feb. 2025
The virus is not known to spread between humans, which has prevented the outbreak from exploding into the next pandemic.
—Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explode
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explode
Verb
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Fireworks, gas tanks and camping fuel in the truck's bed are believed to have been detonated using a device operated by the driver.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
27 Feb. 2025
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Meanwhile, an explosive device that did not detonate was discovered on a fourth bus, police said.—
Mohammed Tawfeeq,
CNN,
20 Feb. 2025
Verb
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As the two vehicles collided, there was a loud boom; their windshields shattered, and the scene was engulfed in smoke.—
Stephania Taladrid,
The New Yorker,
27 Feb. 2025
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Recent events have shattered her image as a role model—a persona that has long been disputed by some of her co-stars.—
Louis Staples,
Rolling Stone,
26 Feb. 2025
Verb
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However, chaos did erupt at a couple of events, including demonstrators trying to enter the state Capitol in Arizona, and an arrest was made in Washington, D.C., after a protester allegedly sprayed paint on a Trump supporter.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
18 Feb. 2025
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When the verdicts were read the courtroom erupted in cheers and the rapper literally leapt into the crowd to hug superstar girlfriend Rihanna.—
Tom Tapp,
Deadline,
18 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Stewart played Miss Yvonne in the stage show The Pee-Wee Herman Show and CBS’s Pee-Wee’s Playhouse, and also popped up in several other projects throughout the Pee-wee-verse.—
Jennifer Zhan,
Vulture,
22 Feb. 2025
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The couple has been engaged since 2021 when the actor surprised his lady and popped the question during an interview with The Breakfast Club.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
21 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Two Riverside officers have been charged after one smashed a resident’s skateboard in a viral video.—
Ryan Fonseca,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Feb. 2025
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The robber smashes various display cases and loads jewelry into his backpack before running back to the car.—
Eliana Dockterman,
TIME,
24 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The Knicks blew a 19-point lead, and Philadelphia stormed back to take a 97-96 advantage with 3:59 left in the fourth quarter.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
27 Feb. 2025
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Courtenay Brown Feb 14, 2025 - Economy Trump trade plan intensifies The Trump trade war has blown past the realm of tariffs.—
Courtenay Brown,
Axios,
27 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The Crimson Tide have won their last seven games, most recently demolishing Texas 103-80 on Tuesday.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
15 Feb. 2025
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While exploring the basement of a building slated to be demolished for the upcoming office tower, the scientists unearthed the remains of what once served as the foundation of a two-story building, nearly as large as an Olympic swimming pool.—
Sophia Compton,
Fox News,
14 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The pipeline bursting is the latest painful incident in a city with a long history of infrastructure problems.—
Annalise Frank,
Axios,
18 Feb. 2025
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Of course, on this sunny Sunday about a month ago, there was no flying gravel, no bursting tires or broken axles, and certainly nobody exceeding the 30 mph speed limit.—
Eric Duvall,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Feb. 2025
Articles Related to explode
Cite this Entry
“Explode.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explode. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
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