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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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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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
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 explode Both Monahon and Carroll are writing about transformation of the paradigm-exploding kind. —
Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026 Prediction markets have exploded in popularity over the past couple of years. —Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2026 The war in Sudan broke out on April 15, 2023, when a power struggle between the military and RSF exploded into open fighting in the capital of Khartoum and elsewhere in the sprawling country. —ABC News, 21 Apr. 2026 This response remained fervent on social media for months after the season ended, then exploded once again when the team traded Reese to the Atlanta Dream shortly before free agency opened. —Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for explode
Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026 Prediction markets have exploded in popularity over the past couple of years. —Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2026 The war in Sudan broke out on April 15, 2023, when a power struggle between the military and RSF exploded into open fighting in the capital of Khartoum and elsewhere in the sprawling country. —ABC News, 21 Apr. 2026 This response remained fervent on social media for months after the season ended, then exploded once again when the team traded Reese to the Atlanta Dream shortly before free agency opened. —Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for explode
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explode
Verb
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The court sided with a soldier who was badly injured when a Taliban operative working at the Bagram Airfield detonated a suicide bomb.— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
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Authorities determined that an explosive device had been brought aboard the aircraft, likely concealed in a radio, and detonated shortly after takeoff.— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2026
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Word of Smith’s death had shattered his family, especially his father, who can’t believe his son is gone.— Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2026
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The incredible true story of Takeru Kobayashi — or how a skinny 22-year-old from Japan shattered world records at the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest and catapulted the fringe spectacle of competitive eating into a wildly lucrative American sports phenomenon.— Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
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That impact and his trajectory launched his dragster up into the air, erupting in a fireball, breaking into pieces and getting badly tangled in the catch fencing.— Jan Wagner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Apr. 2026
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What follows is a crescendo of bloody madness, including a gruesome toenail cutting scene that shouldn’t be viewed while eating, a grandma being eaten alive by a pack of coyotes and a truly bonkers wake that erupts into laugh-out-loud violence thanks to a pair of dentures.— Alex Ritman, Variety, 17 Apr. 2026
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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
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The Lyrids are known for producing bright, fast-moving meteors that tend to lack persistent trails, but have the potential to spawn spectacular fireballs as larger chunks of Comet Thatcher smash into Earth's atmosphere.— Anthony Wood, Space.com, 9 Apr. 2026
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In footage shared by the BBC on X, Medvedev, who suffered a 6-0 6-0 loss during the 49-minute match, was filmed smashing up his tennis racket six times and angrily tossing it across the court.— Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 9 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
Verb
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Gil Rivera, director of building, economic and community development, said Target has already submitted permits to demolish the current structure.— Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
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The hotel building is expected to be demolished within the next month.— Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Rico, his wife Michele and daughter Mia burst from their chairs and cheer as Domino flexes his arms, each sleeved in tattoos of dominoes, palm trees and a Cuban cafetera with biceps.— Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2026
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My heart is constantly bursting open, while also breaking into a million pieces.— Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 11 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Explode.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/explode. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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