explosion
13 synonyms and 1 antonyms for explosion, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A violent, sudden release of energy, often with a loud bang and flying debris.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use explosion
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From French explosion, from Latin explodere, "to drive out by clapping" — the same root gives us "explode".
Full origin of explosion →Frequently asked questions
What does “explosion” mean?
The word “explosion” means a violent, sudden release of energy, often with a loud bang and flying debris. In plain terms, a sudden, violent blast — or, more loosely, a sudden burst or surge of something.
How do you pronounce “explosion”?
“Explosion” is pronounced ihk-SPLOH-zhuhn (/ɛkˈsploʊ.ʒən/ in IPA).
How do you use “explosion” in a sentence?
Here is “explosion” used in a sentence: “The explosion shattered windows three streets away.”
What is another word for “explosion”?
Words with a similar meaning to “explosion” include bang, blast, boom, burst, detonation and eruption.
What is the opposite of “explosion”?
The opposite of “explosion” — its antonyms — is implosion.
What part of speech is “explosion”?
“Explosion” is a noun.
Where does the word “explosion” come from?
The word “explosion” comes from Latin. From French explosion, from Latin explodere, "to drive out by clapping" — the same root gives us "explode".
Is “explosion” a common word?
“Explosion” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between an explosion and an implosion?
An explosion is a violent, sudden release of energy that pushes outward, often with a loud bang and flying debris. An implosion is the opposite: the structure or object collapses inward on itself. The two words describe motion in opposing directions.
Can 'explosion' be used figuratively rather than about a physical blast?
Yes. Beyond a physical blast, 'explosion' describes a sudden, rapid increase or outburst of something, as in a population explosion or an explosion of anger. In this figurative use there is no fire or debris, only a swift and dramatic surge.
What preposition usually follows 'explosion'?
'Explosion' is most often followed by 'of', as in 'an explosion of colour' or 'an explosion of laughter'. This 'explosion of' pattern is standard when naming what has suddenly surged or burst forth.
What is the difference between an explosion and a blast?
The two words overlap heavily and are often interchangeable. 'Blast' tends to emphasise the shockwave and rush of air that spreads out from the event, while 'explosion' names the violent release of energy itself. A single event can accurately be called both.