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
Anthony Stitt, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
This week, an explosive track from Lisa‘s solo debut LP, a punk rock shiner from Halsey, and Djo‘s latest soft rock trip down memory lane.
—Rolling Stone, 28 Feb. 2025
Jennifer Rodriguez, Kansas City Star, 25 Feb. 2025
What to Know Hamas has a history of targeting Israeli buses with explosives, particularly in the 1990s and early 2000s.
—Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explosive
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Adjective
What makes Miller a potential All-Star is an explosive swing that puts loft on the ball.
—Anthony Stitt, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
This week, an explosive track from Lisa‘s solo debut LP, a punk rock shiner from Halsey, and Djo‘s latest soft rock trip down memory lane.
—Rolling Stone, 28 Feb. 2025
Noun
After agreeing to a plea deal, prosecutors dismissed two additional charges of using an explosive to commit a felony and destruction of a letter box.
—Jennifer Rodriguez, Kansas City Star, 25 Feb. 2025
What to Know Hamas has a history of targeting Israeli buses with explosives, particularly in the 1990s and early 2000s.
—Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 21 Feb. 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 15 Mar. 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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