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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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of explode
The Las Vegas race marks the third and final stop this year for F1 in the United States, where the series has exploded in popularity over the last five years.
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Jenna Fryer, Los Angeles Times, 23 Nov. 2024
With the score tied at 69-all with 5:31 left, UCI exploded for a 12-0 run over a three-minute stretch to seize control.
—Staff and News Service Reports, Orange County Register, 23 Nov. 2024
Milo’s then forced to fight as a gladiator in Pompeii … which is about to explode!
—James Grebey, Vulture, 22 Nov. 2024
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
See all Example Sentences for explode 
Jenna Fryer, Los Angeles Times, 23 Nov. 2024
With the score tied at 69-all with 5:31 left, UCI exploded for a 12-0 run over a three-minute stretch to seize control.
—Staff and News Service Reports, Orange County Register, 23 Nov. 2024
Milo’s then forced to fight as a gladiator in Pompeii … which is about to explode!
—James Grebey, Vulture, 22 Nov. 2024
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
See all Example Sentences for explode
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explode
Verb
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The bravura sixth episode depicts the Price sisters, incarcerated for detonating a car bomb in central London, stage a hunger strike in order to be moved into a prison back in Northern Ireland.Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 14 Nov. 2024
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Law enforcement arrested Philippi on site at the plant in possession of the powered up drone moments before the explosive devices were set to detonate, according to court documents.Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
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As the menace escalates, her parents dismiss her fears, and Annie is soon plunged into a terrifying nightmare that shatters her world.Zac Ntim, Deadline, 31 Oct. 2024
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The resulting encounter, in which his vulnerability and her deceits are laid bare, provides a quietly shattering climax.Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Oct. 2024
Verb
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Yet social media algorithms crave controversy to drive clicks and engagement, so online forums erupted with fans complaining about the change.Robert Niles, Orange County Register, 19 Nov. 2024
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The room of people, which includes Kylie's daughter Stormi and Kris Jenner's boyfriend Corey Gamble, erupts into laughter and then applauds her.Catherine Santino, People.com, 19 Nov. 2024
Verb
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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
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Everyone who hasn’t lost their hair is popping back up.Mark Holgate, Vogue, 22 Nov. 2024
Verb
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The non-nuclear munitions smashed into an industrial site, a medical rehabilitation center, homes and garages.David Axe, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
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Last season, O'Neill smashed 31 home runs and posted a .847 OPS.Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024
Verb
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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
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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
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The Lions demolished the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, putting up at least 50 points on their opponent for the second time this season.Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 20 Nov. 2024
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Instead, Israel has conducted a campaign of broad devastation in Gaza, attacking the territory’s civilian population; demolishing its health, educational, and social infrastructure; and destroying its food production, shelter, and sources of potable water.John Spencer, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2024
Verb
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With a hemorrhagic stroke, a blood vessel in the brain suddenly bursts and causes bleeding in the brain.28 Long-Term Effects Vary If a heart attack isn't treated quickly, the lack of blood flow can cause permanent damage to the heart muscle.Alexandria Nyembwe, PhD, RN, Health, 6 Nov. 2024
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Members of the band then burst through the door with a galvanizing musical salute that saw audiences cheer and clap along with jovial captivating.Sam Falb, Vogue, 4 Nov. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Explode.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explode. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
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