blowup 1 of 2

blow up

2 of 2

verb

1
2
as in to detonate
to break open or into pieces usually because of internal pressure the building blew up because of a gas leak

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in to smash
to cause to break open or into pieces by or as if by an explosive blew up the biggest rocks and then cleared them away

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4

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 blowup
Noun
The latest draft comes nearly a month after the blowup between Trump and Zelenskyy in the Oval Office. David Brennan, ABC News, 24 Mar. 2025 Zelensky left the White House last week without signing a bilateral mineral deal after a blowup in the Oval Office that dimmed the chances of a peace agreement with Russia. Mabinty Quarshie, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 5 Mar. 2025
Verb
Gains take time, says McDowell, so don’t get discouraged if your muscles don’t blow up overnight. Julia Ries, Health, 22 May 2025 Not long after, one morning in January 2012, Mescudi’s frantic dog-sitter called him at 6:30 a.m. about his Porsche blowing up in front of his house. Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for blowup
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blowup
Noun
  • Jack and his dad have an extremely heartwarming scene in this episode, when Mr. McPhee finally accepts that his son is gay with literal open arms, and the two sweetly hug it out.
    Jen Juneau, People.com, 24 May 2025
  • There was the milestone scene where Jack kissed Ethan (Adam Kaufman) in what was primetime television's first gay male kiss.
    Breanne L. Heldman, EW.com, 24 May 2025
Noun
  • Fifty to 70 volcano eruptions are recorded around the world each year.
    Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 29 May 2025
  • This latest episode in Kilauea’s ongoing eruption started in Halemaʻumaʻu crater at 4:15 p.m. HST on Sunday and ended abruptly at 10:25 p.m., according to USGS.
    Eric Mack, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • Target also said its first-quarter performance was affected by negative reactions to its pullback on diversity, equity and inclusion policies (DEI) in January, which angered some loyal customers who have long praised the company's commitment to inclusiveness.
    Siddharth Cavale, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • Trump was angered by reading reports that Springsteen, without referring to the president by name, had criticized the administration in a Manchester concert.
    Jem Aswad, Variety, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • On Saturday morning, a bomb was detonated at American Reproductive Centers in Palm Springs, destroying much of the building, injuring four people and killing the bomber.
    Paige St. John, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2025
  • Like many Americans, Dr. Garwin grew concerned when Moscow that summer detonated its first atom bomb.
    William J. Broad, New York Times, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • The crash came a little over a year after the Dali, a 984-foot-long cargo ship, lost power while departing Baltimore’s harbor and smashed into the Key Bridge, killing six people and destroying critical infrastructure.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 19 May 2025
  • Devers stepped to the plate with a tie score and smashed a 2-1 breaking ball to deep right-center over the bullpen wall, propelling the Red Sox to a 7-6 victory over the Atlanta Braves.
    Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • Finishing each other’s sentences, cracking up at the same things, going off on (heartwarming!) tangents, sharing the splash of extra wine the waiter pours, asking me interesting questions.
    Perrie Samotin, Glamour, 29 May 2025
  • The 70-year-old Today show weatherman couldn’t stop cracking up during a shopping segment on the Friday, May 23 episode of the NBC morning show.
    Rachel McRady, People.com, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • The chute opens, and rambunctious No. 2 bursts out with an impatient huff.
    Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Volunteers were charged around 25 cents per huff, bringing in good profit for those who’d invested in the necessary gas tanks, tubes, and breathing bags.
    Oshan Jarow, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
Noun
  • Fire investigators determined the fire and explosion were intentionally set.
    Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 21 May 2025
  • An explosion of heated coverage followed the initial report, much of it seemingly reliant on police leaks or pure speculation for sourcing.
    Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Blowup.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blowup. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.

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