as in explosion
the act or an instance of exploding
there was a series of detonations around the base of the condemned building, causing it to come crashing down in a matter of minutes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of detonation
Naval mines introduce similar risks even before detonation.
—
Evangeline Elsa, Wired News, 13 Apr. 2026
Even before the first atomic detonation at the Trinity test, James Franck, Eugene Rabinowitch, Leo Szilard and others issued a report warning of the far-reaching consequences of unleashing the atomic bomb, highlighting the dangers of a nuclear arms race.
—Daniel Holz, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
The group Christians for Israel said the detonation targeted its Israel Center in Nijkerk and was caused by an explosive device.
—ABC News, 4 Apr. 2026
Using a converted container ship, the IRGC fired a ballistic missile to simulate a high-altitude electromagnetic pulse (EMP) detonation.
—Chuck Devore, Twin Cities, 22 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for detonation
Evangeline Elsa, Wired News, 13 Apr. 2026
Even before the first atomic detonation at the Trinity test, James Franck, Eugene Rabinowitch, Leo Szilard and others issued a report warning of the far-reaching consequences of unleashing the atomic bomb, highlighting the dangers of a nuclear arms race.
—Daniel Holz, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
The group Christians for Israel said the detonation targeted its Israel Center in Nijkerk and was caused by an explosive device.
—ABC News, 4 Apr. 2026
Using a converted container ship, the IRGC fired a ballistic missile to simulate a high-altitude electromagnetic pulse (EMP) detonation.
—Chuck Devore, Twin Cities, 22 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for detonation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detonation
Noun
-
Quick hits • Orlando Science Center hosts Mess Fest, which splatters knowledge and physics with paint, foam explosions and more.—
Dewayne Bevil,
The Orlando Sentinel,
1 May 2026
-
Explosion of leftover bombs killed 14 in Iran An explosion of leftover bombs from strikes during the war against Iran killed 14 Revolutionary Guard members, IRNA and other Iranian media reported Friday.—
Toqa Ezzidin,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
The eruptions – yours, the partner’s – suggest that there’s a lot that’s been simmering underneath your interactions.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Apr. 2026
-
The eruptions — yours, the partner’s — suggest that there’s a lot that’s been simmering underneath your interactions.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Denver Post,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Detonation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detonation. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
