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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Recent Examples of detonate
Seconds later, the charges detonated, blowing out windows on several stories of the building.
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David Axe, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
Police in Fairfield are investigating an incident involving homemade explosive devices that detonated, resulting in a man suffering significant hand injuries.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 3 Dec. 2024
The first bomb detonated at Chiron Life Science Center in Emeryville, California, on Aug. 28, 2003, federal agents said.
—Krystal Nurse, USA TODAY, 27 Nov. 2024
On Wednesday, a suicide bomber disguised himself as a visitor to the Ministry of Refugees compound, detonating his bomb as Haqqani was signing paperwork, a ministry spokesperson told CNN.
—Catherine Nicholls, CNN, 11 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for detonate 
David Axe, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
Police in Fairfield are investigating an incident involving homemade explosive devices that detonated, resulting in a man suffering significant hand injuries.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 3 Dec. 2024
The first bomb detonated at Chiron Life Science Center in Emeryville, California, on Aug. 28, 2003, federal agents said.
—Krystal Nurse, USA TODAY, 27 Nov. 2024
On Wednesday, a suicide bomber disguised himself as a visitor to the Ministry of Refugees compound, detonating his bomb as Haqqani was signing paperwork, a ministry spokesperson told CNN.
—Catherine Nicholls, CNN, 11 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for detonate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detonate
Verb
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The scores come after an incredibly tumultuous year for schools across the country, as issues surrounding the Israel-Hamas war exploded on campuses in the form of protests and encampments.Angele Latham, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024
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Upon their arrival, a German V-1 rocket exploded near the docks, forcing them to take cover.Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Gardner-Johnson’s play redeemed his ejection after two unsportsmanlike penalties last week when the Eagles blew a two-score lead to the Washington Commanders.Brooks Kubena, The Athletic, 29 Dec. 2024
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Milk, the drink of choice for an adult about to just absolutely blow someone’s back out.Allison P. Davis, Vulture, 27 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Calais Campbell popped up on the Dolphins’ injury report on Friday with a neck issue that has left him questionable for Sunday’s game at the Jets, but the Dolphins opted not to elevate another defensive lineman.Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 4 Jan. 2025
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Hillary Clinton popped with patriotic pride in a fiery red pantsuit on Saturday at the White House, where she was bestowed with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.WWD Staff, WWD, 4 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near detonate
Cite this Entry
“Detonate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detonate. Accessed 9 Jan. 2025.
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