What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
detonable
Example
The explosives were highly detonable and required careful handling. [detonable: adjective]
Example
The detonable material was safely disposed of by the bomb squad. [detonable: noun]
combustible
Example
The warehouse contained many combustible materials that posed a fire hazard. [combustible: adjective]
Example
The fire department warned against storing combustibles near heat sources. [combustibles: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Combustible is more commonly used than detonable in everyday language. Combustible is a versatile word that can be used to describe a wide range of flammable materials, while detonable is more specific and typically used in the context of explosives.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between detonable and combustible?
Both detonable and combustible are technical terms that are more likely to be used in formal or scientific contexts rather than everyday conversation. However, combustible is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
