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View synonyms for

explosive

[ ik-sploh-siv ]

adjective

  1. tending or serving to explode:

    an explosive temper; Nitroglycerin is an explosive substance.

  2. pertaining to or of the nature of an explosion:

    explosive violence.

  3. likely to lead to violence or hostility:

    an explosive issue.

  4. Phonetics. plosive.


noun

  1. an explosive agent or substance, as dynamite.
  2. Phonetics. plosive.

explosive

/ ɪˈəʊɪ /

adjective

  1. of, involving, or characterized by an explosion or explosions
  2. capable of exploding or tending to explode
  3. potentially violent or hazardous; dangerous

    an explosive situation

  4. phonetics another word for plosive
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. a substance that decomposes rapidly under certain conditions with the production of gases, which expand by the heat of the reaction. The energy released is used in firearms, blasting, and rocket propulsion
  2. a plosive consonant; stop
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈDzԱ, noun
  • ˈDz, adverb
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Other Word Forms

  • ·s· adverb
  • ·s·Ա noun
  • ԴDze·s adjective noun
  • non·s· adverb
  • non·s·Ա noun
  • ܲe·s adjective
  • un·s· adverb
  • un·s·Ա noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of explosive1

First recorded in 1660–70; explos(ion) + -ive
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

An independent think tank, Expert Forum, published a report saying Georgescu's explosive rise on TikTok was "created suddenly and artificially - consistent with the way he exploded in the polls".

From

And his death certificate - issued by Kurdish authorities and seen by the BBC - says he died because of "explosive fragments".

From

Hunter will primarily play as a wide receiver at first, forming an explosive partnership with Brian Thomas Jr that gives quarterback Trevor Lawrence immense firepower.

From

Indian security forces have used explosives to destroy the properties since last Tuesday's attack on tourists.

From

The FSB said Kuzin had rigged the car with a homemade explosive device and the bomb had then been set off remotely from Ukraine.

From

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