burst 1 of 2

verb

ˈbərst How to pronounce burst (audio)
Definition of burstnext
1
as in to explode
to break open or into pieces usually because of internal pressure the turnover's crust burst when the filling expanded

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2
as in to shatter
to cause to break open or into pieces by or as if by an explosive finally burst the piñata open with one mighty swing of the bat

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3
as in to bulge
to be copiously supplied a young singer/dancer who seems to be bursting with energy and talent

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burst

2 of 2

noun

1
as in flurry
a sudden and usually temporary growth of activity a sudden burst of industriousness whenever the boss appeared

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2
as in explosion
a sudden intense expression of strong feeling a burst of anger that startled the other members on the panel

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3
as in eruption
the act or an instance of exploding one burst after another could be heard in the distance

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of burst
Verb
Come spring, the grounds burst with color, namely the 200-plus cherry blossom trees that bloom in April, and the lilacs, bluebells, and peonies springing to life throughout May. — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 14 Mar. 2025 British actor Merle Oberon, who burst onto the scene in 1935, was one of them. — Kendra Nordin Beato, The Christian Science Monitor, 13 Mar. 2025
Noun
The downside is that the UHS-I card slot takes a while to write all the pictures after a burst. — PCMAG, 12 Mar. 2025 But Warren hit back with a 12-0 burst, which Walker started with a 3-point play and two free throws on back-to-back possessions. — Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for burst
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burst
  1. explode
  2. shatter
  3. bulge
  4. flurry
  5. explosion
  6. eruption
  7. detonate
  8. smash
Verb
  • SpaceX's Starship spacecraft, which exploded just minutes into its flight on Thursday, was uncrewed, and no injuries have been reported.
    — William Lambers, Newsweek, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Even today, gangsta and drill rappers make headlines right here in Chicago when their music explodes into rivalries and retaliatory murders.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 8 Mar. 2025
Definition of explode
Verb
  • Investigators say at least seven shots were fired, damaging three cars and shattering windows.
    — Chris Isidore, CNN, 10 Mar. 2025
  • The animated blockbuster, which has shattered box office records, will debut in the U.K. and Ireland on March 21, with previews beginning March 14.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of shatter
Verb
  • As Ne Zha, his wide eyes often bulge in different directions.
    — Fred Topel, Deadline, 14 Feb. 2025
  • When the owner of a silver carp by Fabergé, circa 1908, squeezes the bulging glass eyeballs, the guillotine mouth chomps the end of a cigar (Wartski, E13).
    — Walker Mimms, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025
Definition of bulge
Noun
  • Assuming agreement is reached soon on a unified approach, its passage should kickstart a flurry of budget activity.
    — Doug Criscitello, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Tariffs and whipsaw trade policy Trump has issued a flurry of tariff orders and nearly as many retreats from those orders.
    — Tobias Burns, The Hill, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of flurry
Noun
  • In addition to Tesla’s troubles, Musk’s social network X experienced several outages throughout the day on Monday, and his aerospace and defense company SpaceX is investigating two explosions in a row that occurred during test flights of its massive Starship rocket.
    — Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Crew abandoned the vessel following multiple explosions onboard but all are safe and accounted for.
    — William Lambers, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of explosion
Noun
  • This indicates that an eruption is likely within the next few weeks or months.
    — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Alaska's Mount Spurr, an active volcano near the most populated region in the state, is getting even closer to an eruption, according to volcanologists.
    — Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of eruption
Verb
  • That a cooking gas cannister won’t detonate in error, and spark a shoot-out that breaks the peace permanently.
    — Nick Paton Walsh, CNN, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Just before noon, an archeologist located what... Posted by Vancouver Police Department on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 The teams developed a plan to safely detonate the ordnance.
    — Kerry Breen, CBS News, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of detonate
Verb
  • To Late April Close, CFO Says - Update RTL pointed to 2024 success stories including Oscar-winner Poor Things, hit Amazon YA series Maxton Hall, Kim Kardashian-produced doc Elizabeth Taylor: Rebel Superstar and U.S. entertainment smashes like Family Feud and The Farmer Wants A Wife.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 20 Mar. 2025
  • An individual or individuals smashed windows, painted Cybertruck windshields with large red X’s and tried to ignite a fire.
    — Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of smash

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Cite this Entry

“Burst.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burst. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on burst

Nglish: Translation of burst for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about burst

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