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
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Recent Examples of detonation
This is very close to the Chandrasekhar limit, which is 1.44 solar masses, and is the point at which the thermonuclear detonation overcomes the white dwarf and blows it to smithereens as a Type Ia supernova.
—
Keith Cooper, Space.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Ultimately more than 300 pounds of explosive precursor materials, hazardous chemicals, firearms and remote detonation devices were found in his home, vehicle and office, prosecutors said.
—Alex Stone, ABC News, 29 Apr. 2025
In Bullet Train Explosion, a train has to maintain 100kmh speed to prevent a detonation, and much chaos and tension follows.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
In the event of a nuclear attack, traffic would halt, and instead civilians would stream in, sealing off the tunnel entrances with the aid of four concrete doors 1.5 meters thick and capable of withstanding a nuclear detonation at a distance of 1 kilometer.
—Jessi Jezewska Stevens, The Dial, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for detonation
Keith Cooper, Space.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Ultimately more than 300 pounds of explosive precursor materials, hazardous chemicals, firearms and remote detonation devices were found in his home, vehicle and office, prosecutors said.
—Alex Stone, ABC News, 29 Apr. 2025
In Bullet Train Explosion, a train has to maintain 100kmh speed to prevent a detonation, and much chaos and tension follows.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
In the event of a nuclear attack, traffic would halt, and instead civilians would stream in, sealing off the tunnel entrances with the aid of four concrete doors 1.5 meters thick and capable of withstanding a nuclear detonation at a distance of 1 kilometer.
—Jessi Jezewska Stevens, The Dial, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for detonation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detonation
Noun
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Fire investigators determined the fire and explosion were intentionally set.—
Jeff A. Chamer,
Charlotte Observer,
21 May 2025
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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
Noun
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Fifty to 70 volcano eruptions are recorded around the world each year.—
Janet Loehrke,
USA Today,
29 May 2025
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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
Cite this Entry
“Detonation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detonation. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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