explosive

/ɪkˈsploʊsɪv/
noun
  1. A substance that can cause an explosion.
    • Dynamite is a common explosive used in mining.
    • The soldiers were trained to safely handle and store explosives.
    • The police found a large amount of explosive hidden in the warehouse.
adjective
  1. Able or likely to explode or cause an explosion.
    • The workers handled the explosive chemicals with extreme care.
    • Gasoline fumes are highly explosive in a confined space.
    • The old mine was filled with explosive gas that could ignite at any moment.
  2. Very sudden, violent, or dramatic.
    • The argument ended in an explosive shouting match.
    • There was an explosive increase in the city's population over the last decade.
    • The team's explosive offense scored three goals in the first ten minutes.
  3. Relating to a loud, sudden sound like an explosion.
    • An explosive thunderclap shook the house.
    • The car backfired with an explosive bang that startled everyone.
    • The drummer's explosive beat got the crowd jumping.
Antonyms
What does "explosive" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean