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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of detonate The bombs did not detonate and no one was injured. —
Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 2026 Prosecutors say the pair threw two devices containing the explosive TATP and shrapnel, but the jar-sized bombs failed to detonate. —ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026 For bottom mines, minesweeping ships tow gear that can mimic the acoustic, electrical or magnetic signatures of ships and detonate them safely. —Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 13 Apr. 2026 Genrich had been seen in some of the areas where the 1991 bombs detonated, and lived within walking distance of two sites. —Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for detonate
Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 2026 Prosecutors say the pair threw two devices containing the explosive TATP and shrapnel, but the jar-sized bombs failed to detonate. —ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026 For bottom mines, minesweeping ships tow gear that can mimic the acoustic, electrical or magnetic signatures of ships and detonate them safely. —Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 13 Apr. 2026 Genrich had been seen in some of the areas where the 1991 bombs detonated, and lived within walking distance of two sites. —Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for detonate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detonate
Verb
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Either way, these early flowering plants explode with gorgeous color in spring and attract early season bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.— Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 22 Apr. 2026
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Dancing with the Stars exploded in popularity last season, raking in its largest audience in years driven by interest from younger viewers.— Katie Campione, Deadline, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The Mets, who are a close second to LA with a $370 million payroll and over $500 million due in payments this year thanks to the luxury tax, have now lost 11 straight games after blowing a ninth inning lead to the Cubs on Sunday.— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2026
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Matt Strahm struck out the side in the eighth inning, but Erceg allowed three walks and blew a save opportunity.— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The debate is playing out in Wyoming, a state where many data centers have popped up, including new plans for Microsoft to purchase 3,200 acres of land to expand its data center footprint.— Jared Gans, The Hill, 21 Apr. 2026
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Cabo Cabo is popping with new and renovated hotels, further bolstering its front-row positioning as a Hollywood travel mainstay.— Carole Dixon, HollywoodReporter, 21 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Detonate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/detonate. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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