Definition of detonationnext
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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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 detonation Yet enterprise returns on AI investments remain modest, adoption is uneven and national productivity data show no economic detonation. Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 Another service member was injured during the detonation and received medical treatment. Eric MacK, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026 If Russia moves in this direction, a nuclear detonation in low-Earth orbit could be the ultimate Starlink killer. Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 16 July 2026 Researchers know that a nuclear detonation in orbit would flood the space around Earth with fast, energetic electrons. Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for detonation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detonation
Noun
  • The explosions provide different interruptions, punctuating the moment as one of Keeley’s ideas plays out in real time.
    Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Though the threat of an explosion was mitigated in early June, cleanup didn't begin until the very end of the month.
    Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Sonic booms, volcanic eruptions and meteor airbursts can produce similar atmospheric shock waves, potentially creating other natural seismic sources.
    Nolan Roth, Scientific American, 23 Aug. 2026
  • The eruption also generated roughly 360 cubic miles (1,500 cubic kilometers) of pyroclastic-density-current deposits.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 22 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Detonation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detonation. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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