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GRE vocabulary

implode

verbHigh-frequency wordMore I words

to collapse inward violently or to fail suddenly and catastrophically from within

Word origin: From Latin in-, inward, plus plaudere, to clap, modeled on explode.

In a sentence

Implode in a sentence

Here are example sentences showing implode in a sentence.

Under the weight of scandal and mismanagement, the corporation imploded within a single fiscal quarter.

When its accounting fraud surfaced, the conglomerate imploded within weeks, its share price collapsing as creditors withdrew support.

Synonyms
collapsecave indisintegratecrumble
Antonyms
explodeexpandflourishthrive
Usage & nuance

Using “implode” well

Implode emphasizes destruction directed inward, from internal failure rather than an outside force, which sets it directly against explode.

Common questions

Questions about “implode

Implode (verb) means to collapse inward violently or to fail suddenly and catastrophically from within
Here is implode used in an example sentence: "Under the weight of scandal and mismanagement, the corporation imploded within a single fiscal quarter." Another example: "When its accounting fraud surfaced, the conglomerate imploded within weeks, its share price collapsing as creditors withdrew support."
Common synonyms for implode include collapse, cave in, disintegrate, crumble.
Antonyms of implode include explode, expand, flourish, thrive.
In Sentence Equivalence, implode clusters with collapse, cave in, disintegrate, and crumble. Its antonyms explode, flourish, and thrive are common contrast cues; note that explode looks parallel but reverses the direction of force.
Yes. Implode is a high-frequency GRE word, so it is worth prioritising as you build your vocabulary.

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