ex·plo·sive
ik-ˈsplō-siv 
-ziv
1
a
: relating to, characterized by, or operated by explosion
an explosive hatch
b
: resulting from or as if from an explosion
explosive population growth
2
a
: tending to explode
an explosive person
b
: likely to erupt in or produce hostile reaction or violence
an explosive situation
explosively
adverb
explosiveness
noun
Examples of explosive in a Sentence
Adjective
He has an explosive temper.
there's been an explosive interest in the sport since the Olympics
Recent Examples on the Web
Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Blending intimate moments, explosive performances, and cultural commentary, the film captures how Wizkid is using his platform to change perceptions, reclaim African identity, and inspire a new generation.
—Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2025
Daniel R. Depetris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025
Inside was a 9-volt battery connected by wires to a small liquid detonator switch attached to a block (inert) of C-4 explosive.
—Jim Clash, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explosive
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Adjective
What To Know The Center for Countering Disinformation, a branch of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, said on Wednesday that Russia was using CS gas, an irritant chemical, in its Shahed explosive drones.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Blending intimate moments, explosive performances, and cultural commentary, the film captures how Wizkid is using his platform to change perceptions, reclaim African identity, and inspire a new generation.
—Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2025
Noun
After surrender, Russian forces dropped an explosive with gas on the group, nearly killing the Chinese fighter before a Ukrainian soldier dragged him out of the shelter to safety.
—Daniel R. Depetris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025
Inside was a 9-volt battery connected by wires to a small liquid detonator switch attached to a block (inert) of C-4 explosive.
—Jim Clash, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explosive
Cite this Entry
“Explosive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/explosive. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
explosive
1 of 2 adjective
ex·plo·sive
ik-ˈsplō-siv
-ziv
1
: able to cause explosion
the explosive power of gunpowder
2
: likely to explode
an explosive temper
explosively
adverb
explosiveness
noun
explosive
2 of 2 noun
: an explosive substance
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