DETONATE Synonyms: 21 Similar and Opposite Words

detonate

verb

ˈde-tᵊn-ˌāt

Definition of detonate

as in to explode

to break open or into pieces usually because of internal pressure the bomb detonated with a thunder that could be heard for blocks in all directions

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of detonate Multiple explosions detonated close to a tanker south of Al-Mukha, Yemen, in the Bab el-Mandeb, the monitor said, adding that the crew were reported safe. — Frank Andrews, CBS News, 5 Oct. 2026 Akhtar the author, though, is conducting a stealthy psyop aimed at detonating the certainties of combatants on both sides. — Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 2026 She is widely remembered as the first Palestinian woman to carry out a suicide bombing, although accounts indicate that the device may have detonated unexpectedly. — Sara Harmouch, The Conversation, 1 Oct. 2026 The missile, called a PrSM—for precision-strike missile—detonates midair and spreads thousands of small tungsten fragments in all directions. — Robin Wright, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for detonate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for detonate

Verb

Nearly 2,400 people were arrested in France on Saturday after long-simmering protests exploded into some of the country’s most disruptive unrest in years.

— Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 18 Oct. 2026
When Louise would remember the show decades later, the audience was always so electric that the room exploded into stamping feet and pounding fists.

— Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of explode

Verb

Ocean iron fertilization grew from the idea that iron-rich dust blown across the oceans during past ice ages fed blooms of phytoplankton, helping to lower atmospheric CO₂.

— Alec Luhn, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
But head coach Ben Johnson isn't going to be happy that his team nearly blew a 24-point lead with just over 12 minutes to go.

— Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of blow

Verb

The $11 million spread is listed with Wade Weathers and Meg Kauffman at LandVest Christie’s International Real Estate and has come to market shortly after Vermont’s most expensive home popped up for sale.

— Tori Latham, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026
Kyle Tucker popped up to center, and Teoscar Hernandez struck out on a ball off the plate by about two and a half feet.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of pop

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dethroning

detonate

detonated

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“Detonate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detonate. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of detonate

verb

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