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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples 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 group first drew global headlines in August 2021 when one of its members detonated a bomb outside the Kabul airport, killing 170 Afghans and 13 American service members.
—
Dan De Luce, NBC News, 20 Oct. 2024
The video turns to color just as someone detonates the container with the men inside.
—Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 17 Oct. 2024
On May 22, 2017, minutes after Grande’s live performance concluded at the UK’s Manchester Arena, a terrorist detonated a suicide bomb in the arena’s foyer.
—Stephen Daw, Billboard, 17 Oct. 2024
In the teaser’s final seconds, the clip shifts from sepia-tinted to full-color, and the shipping container is detonated and exploded.
—Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for detonate 
Dan De Luce, NBC News, 20 Oct. 2024
The video turns to color just as someone detonates the container with the men inside.
—Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 17 Oct. 2024
On May 22, 2017, minutes after Grande’s live performance concluded at the UK’s Manchester Arena, a terrorist detonated a suicide bomb in the arena’s foyer.
—Stephen Daw, Billboard, 17 Oct. 2024
In the teaser’s final seconds, the clip shifts from sepia-tinted to full-color, and the shipping container is detonated and exploded.
—Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for detonate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detonate
Verb
-
In the face of tragedy, the armor protecting her interior fragility comes undone, and the same intense force of will that may or may not have exploded a copper pot or ignited fire to a poster directs itself inward.Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024
-
The lungs of the people there exploded from the air pressure when the bombs hit; many of them are intact, but look like mannequins.Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
-
Without breaking stride, Hunter blew past four more Utah defenders and hopped into the end zone, a broken play transformed into a work of art.Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 16 Nov. 2024
-
Oldenburg’s ode to Mies van der Rohe’s signature pocket square, the 12-foot fiberglass Handkerchief, will blow toward Park Avenue, and inside, a giant cloth saw will hug the walls and floor.Morgan Meier, Curbed, 12 Nov. 2024
Verb
-
Everyone who hasn’t lost their hair is popping back up.Mark Holgate, Vogue, 22 Nov. 2024
-
But, much like with apps on a phone, once everyone’s giving pop-up notifications, nothing really pops anymore.Caleb Harris, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near detonate
Cite this Entry
“Detonate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detonate. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share