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Definitions

nuclear weapon

[noo-klee-er wep-uhn, nyoo-] / ˈnu kli ər ˈwɛp ən, ˈnyu- /
NOUN
atomic weapon
Synonyms
STRONGEST
atomic bomb hydrogen bomb neutron bomb
WEAK
A-bomb A-weapon H-bomb MX atomic weapon doomsday machine explosive driven by nuclear energy mininuke mirv nuke strategic nuclear weapon tactical nuclear weapon theater nuclear weapon thermonuclear weapon weapon of mass destruction

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

I’d been reading the newspapers about what happens when a nuclear weapon goes off.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

He has said the U.S. is pushing a 15-point plan that will forever block Iran from developing a nuclear weapon or threatening the U.S. or its allies.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

So the question becomes: How were we a couple of hours away from developing a nuclear weapon when we just pulled the plug on that, right?

From Slate • Mar. 2, 2026

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian insisted ahead of the talks that the Islamic republic was not "at all" seeking a nuclear weapon.

From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026

For example, four Russian submarines prowled the waters near Cuba, each one carrying a torpedo loaded with a nuclear weapon.

From "Spies: The Secret Showdown Between America and Russia" by Marc Favreau