as in to explode
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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of detonate
Two Massachusetts men have pleaded guilty to breaking into Harvard Medical School and detonating fireworks last Halloween night, a crime that caught the eye of FBI Director Kash Patel.
—
Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
Authorities determined that an explosive device had been brought aboard the aircraft, likely concealed in a radio, and detonated shortly after takeoff.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2026
The devices varied, but charging documents describe some as containing BBs, some designed to detonate remotely, and some filled with homemade flash powder.
—Bridget Byrne, Baltimore Sun, 17 Apr. 2026
Prosecutors say the pair threw two devices containing the explosive TATP and shrapnel, but the jar-sized bombs failed to detonate.
—Erica Byfield, NBC news, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for detonate
Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
Authorities determined that an explosive device had been brought aboard the aircraft, likely concealed in a radio, and detonated shortly after takeoff.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2026
The devices varied, but charging documents describe some as containing BBs, some designed to detonate remotely, and some filled with homemade flash powder.
—Bridget Byrne, Baltimore Sun, 17 Apr. 2026
Prosecutors say the pair threw two devices containing the explosive TATP and shrapnel, but the jar-sized bombs failed to detonate.
—Erica Byfield, NBC news, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for detonate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detonate
Verb
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Walks have exploded under new ABS system With the introduction of challenges, MLB had to essentially redefine the strike zone to ensure that the tracking system would consistently and accurately measure what actually is a strike or ball.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
29 Apr. 2026
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Freedom from nonstop sound effects Some ballparks are worse than others, but the trend of teams that pump up the volume and inject sound effects between pitches, similar to an NBA game, is exploding.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The family documents describe comfortable lives and prosperous businesses blown apart by the war and the mounting Nazi menace.—
Andrew Silow-Carroll,
Sun Sentinel,
28 Apr. 2026
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The focus narrows in on the remaining passengers and crew in the main sections of the aircraft not blown to bits, the cockpit and a stretch of the main cabin (finally, a reward for flying coach), precariously perched on a reef outcrop.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The sun is tickling our necks, the smell of cherry blossoms are wafting through the air, and dazzling new produce is popping up left, right, and center.—
Nina Moskowitz,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
28 Apr. 2026
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Fortunately, more homes have just popped up for sale at Powder Haven, the exclusive residential enclave in Utah backed by Netflix cofounder Reed Hastings, who acquired the resort in 2023 and has since been reshaping it into a hybrid public-private ski destination.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Detonate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detonate. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
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