explosive

Able or likely to burst suddenly with great force, heat, and noise.

• This gas is explosive.
• Police found an explosive device near the station.
• Keep explosive materials away from heat.

Common phrases: explosive device, explosive gas, explosive material

Extremely powerful, energetic, or exciting, like a sudden burst of force.

• The band gave an explosive performance.
• An explosive burst of flame lit the room.
• The film ends with an explosive action scene.

Similar words: powerful, electrifying

Common phrases: explosive performance, explosive energy, explosive finale

Increasing in speed or amount very quickly, or involving sudden, powerful movement.

• The town experienced explosive growth.
• These exercises develop explosive strength.
• The runner’s explosive acceleration put her ahead.

Similar words: rapid

Opposites: gradual

Common phrases: explosive growth, explosive movement, explosive acceleration

Becoming very angry suddenly and easily.

• He has an explosive temper.
• Her explosive anger frightened the children.
• His personality became more explosive under pressure.

Similar words: volatile, hot-tempered

Opposites: calm

Common phrases: explosive temper, explosive personality

Causing great surprise, shock, or public anger.

• The report contained explosive claims.
• She made an explosive accusation against the mayor.
• The newspaper published explosive details of the scandal.

Similar words: shocking, startling

Common phrases: explosive allegations, explosive revelation, explosive report

A substance used to cause a sudden, powerful blast.

• They found explosives in the truck.
• Miners used an explosive to break the rock.
• The police safely removed the explosive.

Common phrases: plastic explosive, high explosive, use an explosive