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
The foundation later posted a photo of the fragments of the explosive device and claimed, without providing evidence, that it was detonated by Hamas militants.
—
CBS News, 5 July 2025
Video from an overwatch drone shows the charge is detonated and the entire span destroyed.
—David Hambling, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
For instance, after Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait in August 1990, Iraqi forces placed explosive charges on Kuwaiti oil wells and began detonating them in January 1991.
—Skip York, The Conversation, 27 June 2025
Bottom sea mines are placed on the seabed and designed to detonate when a ship passes nearby.
—Amira El-Fekki, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for detonate
CBS News, 5 July 2025
Video from an overwatch drone shows the charge is detonated and the entire span destroyed.
—David Hambling, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
For instance, after Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait in August 1990, Iraqi forces placed explosive charges on Kuwaiti oil wells and began detonating them in January 1991.
—Skip York, The Conversation, 27 June 2025
Bottom sea mines are placed on the seabed and designed to detonate when a ship passes nearby.
—Amira El-Fekki, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for detonate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detonate
Verb
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What Is Happening in Cape Coral? Cape Coral's housing market exploded during the pandemic, when thousands of out-of-state newcomers flocked to the relatively affordable Florida paradise, snatching up for-sale homes and driving up prices.—
Giulia Carbonaro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 July 2025
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Earlier this week, excitement exploded online after an announcement suggested that staking $100,000 in TON for three years, plus a one-time $35,000 processing fee, would grant applicants a 10-year UAE Golden Visa.—
Sandy Carter,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
Verb
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Some of the clips have also already begun to go viral including one of Chase’s gazelle-like movement and another of Hill blowing by Smith-Njigba in coverage.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
10 July 2025
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Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
10 July 2025
Verb
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While he's acted in many of his own projects, Perry occasionally pops up in the films of other directors, with notable roles including Alex Cross (2012), Gone Girl (2014), Vice (2018), and Don't Look Up (2021).—
Allison DeGrushe Published,
EW.com,
15 July 2025
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Kids can pop one in the microwave for about 7-10 minutes, depending on size, and then again, add their favorite topping or a completely customizable meal.—
Stephanie Ganz,
Parents,
15 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Detonate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detonate. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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