explosive
ehk-SPLOH-sihv
Explosive (adjective) means Likely to explode, or having the sudden, violent force of an explosion. Example: “Tension in the room was explosive after the argument.”
adjective
1
Likely to explode, or having the sudden, violent force of an explosion.
"Tension in the room was explosive after the argument."
"The gas leak created an explosive mixture in the basement."
"She has an explosive temper that flares up without warning."
noun
1
A substance that can explode, such as dynamite.
"Quarry workers use explosives to break up large rocks."
"Airport scanners are designed to detect explosives in luggage."
"The demolition crew set explosives around the base of the tower."
How to use explosive
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething (or someone) capable of exploding, or a substance used to make things explode.
Common pairings
explosive device
explosive growth
highly explosive
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Word forms
- Plural
- explosives
- Comparative
- more explosive
- Superlative
- most explosive
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Tension in the room was _____ after the argument.
Etymology
From Latin explosus (the past participle of explodere, "to drive out") plus the adjective ending -ive.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
nonexplosive
Related words
Rhymes for explosive
See all rhymes for explosive →Frequently asked questions
What does “explosive” mean?
The word “explosive” means likely to explode, or having the sudden, violent force of an explosion. In plain terms, something (or someone) capable of exploding, or a substance used to make things explode.
How do you pronounce “explosive”?
“Explosive” is pronounced ehk-SPLOH-sihv (/ɛkˈsploʊsɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “explosive” in a sentence?
Here is “explosive” used in a sentence: “The gas leak created an explosive mixture in the basement.”
What part of speech is “explosive”?
Depending on how it is used, “explosive” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “explosive” come from?
The word “explosive” comes from Latin. From Latin explosus (the past participle of explodere, "to drive out") plus the adjective ending -ive.
Is “explosive” a common word?
“Explosive” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “explosive” have?
“Explosive” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: likely to explode, or having the sudden, violent force of an explosion.
What is the difference between "explosive" and "explosion"?
"Explosion" is a noun naming the event of something blowing up, while "explosive" is usually an adjective meaning likely to explode, or a noun naming a substance that can explode. You hear an explosion, but you handle an explosive.
What nouns commonly follow "explosive"?
As an adjective, "explosive" often precedes "device," "material," "mixture," "temper," "growth," and "situation." As a noun, common examples include dynamite, TNT, and other blasting materials.
Is "explosive" only used for physical explosions?
No. Beyond describing things that can literally explode, "explosive" is widely used for anything sudden and forceful, such as explosive news, an explosive argument, or an explosive burst of speed. Context makes clear whether the meaning is literal or figurative.
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