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
David Brennan, ABC News, 12 Mar. 2025
The larger simulated star burned through its fuel in just 2.6 million years before meeting its own explosive end, showering a whopping 55 solar masses of oxygen (more than 18 million Earth masses) into space.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 12 Mar. 2025
Megan Forrester, ABC News, 11 Mar. 2025
Nelson was charged with use of explosives or incendiary devices during a felony, criminal mischief and criminal attempt to commit a Class 3 felony, and is out of jail on a personal recognizance bond.
—Matt Lavietes, NBC News, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explosive
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Adjective
Moscow has welcomed the radical U.S. shift in rhetoric and policy, which culminated in an explosive Trump-Zelenskyy Oval Office meeting last month.
—David Brennan, ABC News, 12 Mar. 2025
The larger simulated star burned through its fuel in just 2.6 million years before meeting its own explosive end, showering a whopping 55 solar masses of oxygen (more than 18 million Earth masses) into space.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 12 Mar. 2025
Noun
Another incendiary event occurred in Colorado, where a woman was arrested on Feb. 27 after police caught her with explosives at a Tesla dealership, according to the Loveland Police Department.
—Megan Forrester, ABC News, 11 Mar. 2025
Nelson was charged with use of explosives or incendiary devices during a felony, criminal mischief and criminal attempt to commit a Class 3 felony, and is out of jail on a personal recognizance bond.
—Matt Lavietes, NBC News, 8 Mar. 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 17 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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