Explode
Explode verb - To develop suddenly and violently.
Usage example: the mayor's latest unpopular decision caused long-suppressed resentment to explode into open anger
Flare up is a synonym for explode in burst topic. In some cases you can use "Flare up" instead a verb "Explode", when it comes to topics like break, blow up, appear, burst out. popular alternative
Flare up
Flare up verb - To become very angry.
Usage example: naturally I flared up when he insulted my girlfriend
Explode is a synonym for flare up in burn topic. You can use "Explode" instead a verb "Flare up", if it concerns topics such as break, give forth, burst out, lose one's temper. popular alternative
Mutual synonyms
Both terms in one sentence
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The Ancients in Starflight are causing stars to flare up (but not completely explode) to kill sentient life in the galaxy, since the biology of the Ancients leads carbon based life to regard them as rocks, and use them as starship fuel.
Source: Star Killing
Cite this Source
Flare up and Explode. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 15, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/explode/flare_up
Explode & Flare up. N.p., 2016. Web. 15 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/explode/flare_up>.
Flare up or Explode. 2016. Accessed August 15, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/explode/flare_up.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "explode" and "flare up" have occurred on timeline