Find Synonyms

explosive Synonyms

Another word for explosive

Choosing another word for explosive depends on context, so the 29 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 4 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
JUMP TO:

• adjective (Context 1)

Able or likely to shatter violently, detonate, or burst apart.

Usage Example

"The demolition team carefully handled the volatile materials to ensure a safe detonation."

Strongest
volatile
Strong
combustive
unstable
combustible
flammable
incendiary

• noun (Context 2)

A substance or device designed to cause a sudden, violent release of energy, typically producing a loud noise, high temperatures, and a shock wave.

Usage Example

"The mining company used a highly controlled bomb to blast through the dense layer of bedrock."

Strong
bomb
charge
detonator
propellant

• adjective (Context 3)

Characterized by a sudden, rapid, and substantial increase, expansion, or growth.

Usage Example

"The technology sector experienced meteoric growth during the early years of the internet."

Strongest
meteoric
exponential
Strong
rapid
mushrooming
burgeoning
booming
dramatic
skyrocketing
runaway
sudden

• adjective (Context 4)

Highly volatile, tense, or likely to lead to sudden outbursts of anger, violence, or hostility.

Usage Example

"The negotiations stalled due to the volatile temper of the opposing legal counsel."

Strongest
volatile
fiery
eruptive
Strong
tempestuous
inflammatory
hot-headed
stormy
short-tempered
turbulent
tense

Opposites of explosive

The opposite of explosive shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

calm
stable
gradual
placid
slow
inert
even-tempered
peaceful
See all opposites of explosive

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Explosive. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/explosive
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Dictionary & Reference
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.