Explode and Set off

Explode

Explode verb - Cause to burst with a violent release of energy.
Usage example: We exploded the nuclear bomb

Set off is a synonym for explode in detonate topic. In some cases you can use "Set off" instead a verb "Explode", when it comes to topics like blow up. popular alternative

Set off

Set off verb - Cause to burst with a violent release of energy.

Explode is a synonym for set off in detonate topic. You can use "Explode" instead a verb "Set off", if it concerns topics such as discharge a projectile, detonate or throw a weapon, detonate weapon. popular alternative

Both terms in one sentence

  • Franchise / Ratchet & Clank Touching it will set off a timer, and the crate will explode after a few seconds.
  • Video Game / Phantasy Star Online 2 Action Bomb: Sparzyles from the Lilipan Tunnels will set off its fuse when hostile, and will explode after a set time, whether it's KO'd or not.
  • No Fourth Wall At the close of the first Act, the airmen/actors are playing the old game "Time Bomb", which was a windup toy bomb that set off an alarm when it was supposed to "explode".
Cite this Source
Set off and Explode. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/explode/set_off
Explode & Set off. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/explode/set_off>.
Set off or Explode. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/explode/set_off.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "explode" and "set off" have occurred on timeline