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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.

Vance blamed the breakdown on Iran’s lack of commitment over seeking a nuclear weapon or the tools to allow it to build one quickly.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 12, 2026

The only justification, they calculated, would be an imminent threat, especially information that Iran was close to creating a nuclear weapon.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

As for US demands, Tehran has insisted since 2003 it is not seeking a nuclear weapon but has a right to enrich for civilian nuclear energy purposes.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 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