Synonyms of detonate

detonate

verb

ˈde-tᵊn-ˌāt 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• explode
• blow
• pop
• burst
• blow up
• go off
• fragment
• shatter
• crump
• smash
• fire
• discharge
• shoot
• splinter
• balloon
• mushroom
• burgeon

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• implode
• collapse
• fizzle

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of detonate

In December 2023, a suicide bomber detonated an explosives-laden vehicle at the main gate of a police station in Dera Ismail Khan, killing at least 23 security personnel in one of the area’s deadliest attacks. — ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026

In July, the Wall Street Journal published an interview with Eui Seok Kang, who was severely disfigured when the airbag of his Chevrolet Malibu detonated after a crash. — Jerry Perez, The Drive, 24 Sep. 2026

Sadiq said two attackers detonated explosives inside the compound Saturday morning and that police had killed six assailants so far, not including the bombers. — Arkansas Online, 20 Sep. 2026

In a secret 1958 project, the Air Force considered detonating a nuclear bomb on the Moon. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 17 Sep. 2026