DETONATES Synonyms: 21 Similar and Opposite Words

detonates

verb

present tense third-person singular of detonate

as in explodes

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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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 detonates Forever Home FilmNation Entertainment, the Mediapro Studio A corpse beneath an idyllic home detonates this domestic thriller adapted from Graham Norton’s bestseller. — Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 11 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 If the ammunition detonates after penetration, the explosion is directed away from the crew compartment, significantly improving the crew’s chances of survival. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 30 June 2026 After the pass comes to Bridges, who detonates passersby at the basket regularly, White goes straight up, though with a little more oomph than usual. — Fred Katz, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026 Advertisement Christine Adams Courtesy of Apple TV Lang gets off the train and, once at a safe distance, detonates the explosive. — Barry Levitt, Time, 4 Mar. 2026 But once in a rare while, the frame detonates into history. — Christopher Anderson, Vanity Fair, 27 Feb. 2026 During a trip to New York, an off-camera exchange detonates the conflict. — Literary Hub, 24 Feb. 2026 Gemma then detonates the device. — Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 27 Jan. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for detonates

Verb

When the gang war that’s been building all along between the Greasers and the Socs finally explodes in the second act, the violence is conveyed through movement, lighting, sound and just all around scenic brilliance.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
Continue reading … ‘NEVER-ENDING’ — Huge number of noncitizens found on voter rolls as Mike Lee explodes on 'honor system'.

— , FOXNews.com, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of explodes

Verb

Miami fans had plenty to stress about as the UM offense misfired and Florida State responded to potential knockout blows with huge plays.

— Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026
But when the final whistle blows, another job is often waiting for them the next morning.

— Preston Fore, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of blows

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“Detonates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detonates. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of detonates

verb

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