What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
boom
Example
The tech industry experienced a boom in the 1990s. [boom: noun]
Example
The fireworks made a loud boom when they exploded in the sky. [boom: onomatopoeia]
explosion
Example
The explosion destroyed the building and caused widespread damage. [explosion: noun]
Example
There was an explosion of interest in the new fashion trend. [explosion: metaphorical]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Boom is more commonly used than explosion in everyday language, especially in economic and business contexts. Explosion is more specific and tends to be used in situations involving literal explosions or metaphorical bursts of activity.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between boom and explosion?
Both boom and explosion can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, boom is more versatile and commonly used across different formality levels, while explosion may be more commonly used in technical or scientific discussions.
