burst 1 of 2

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

burst

2 of 2

noun

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
In one jump-cut scene, the little girl scurries back to the noodle stop through the market while percussive music plays, bursting with fear and excitement at her new illicit hobby. Jessica Kiang, Variety, 15 May 2025 Sleight of Hand is a powerful, intense rye whiskey bursting with bold flavors reflecting Texas whiskey's power. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Noun
That, plus more demanding processors, higher burst rates, and video modes, means mirrorless cameras get less battery life than DSLRs. PC Magazine, 20 May 2025 After a burst of creation following the Soviet Union’s collapse, only three new countries have been recognized in the last 30 years—East Timor, in 2002, Montenegro, in 2006, and South Sudan, in 2011. Ryan D. Griffiths, Foreign Affairs, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for burst
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burst
Verb
  • Sudan plunged into civil war on April 15, 2023, when simmering tensions between the military and the RSF exploded into open warfare in the capital Khartoum and other parts of the country.
    Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, Arkansas Online, 31 May 2025
  • Things quickly turned ugly as Martha’s jealousy of Ida exploded.
    Mara Bovsun, New York Daily News, 31 May 2025
Verb
  • But the illusion of paradise is shattered when another guest is found dead and Gabriel becomes the prime suspect.
    Laura Thompson, New York Times, 22 May 2025
  • The Dolphins haven’t had a route runner like him since Randy McMichael, whose single-season receptions and yards produced record, which was set in 2004, Smith shattered.
    Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • After weeks of treatment his body is still skeletal, bones bulging through his skin.
    Emmanuel Akinwotu, NPR, 16 May 2025
  • Subsequent scans revealed that the kitten had fluid on her lungs and showed signs of a hiatal hernia, which is when part of the stomach bulges through the diaphragm.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • After falling behind 2-0 in the series on the road, and looking vastly overmatched in the process, the Timberwolves returned home and finally punched back, putting together a flurry that staggered the Thunder for the first time in the series.
    Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 25 May 2025
  • On May 25, Mercury will zip into the curious and chatty sign of Gemini, bringing a flurry of messages and insight Comments Hang tight, because Mercury in Gemini is about to turn up the volume on all the chatter!
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 25 May 2025
Noun
  • Fire investigators determined the fire and explosion were intentionally set.
    Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 21 May 2025
  • An explosion of heated coverage followed the initial report, much of it seemingly reliant on police leaks or pure speculation for sourcing.
    Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • Fifty to 70 volcano eruptions are recorded around the world each year.
    Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 29 May 2025
  • This latest episode in Kilauea’s ongoing eruption started in Halemaʻumaʻu crater at 4:15 p.m. HST on Sunday and ended abruptly at 10:25 p.m., according to USGS.
    Eric Mack, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • On Saturday morning, a bomb was detonated at American Reproductive Centers in Palm Springs, destroying much of the building, injuring four people and killing the bomber.
    Paige St. John, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2025
  • Like many Americans, Dr. Garwin grew concerned when Moscow that summer detonated its first atom bomb.
    William J. Broad, New York Times, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • He’s often found smashing things in the name of justice but can still be angered easily if things don’t go his way.
    Sarah Scott, Parents, 30 May 2025
  • That served as a prelude to Tim Anderson smashing his own two-run shot off Zack Britton in the bottom of the inning to send the White Sox home winners.
    Tim Britton, New York Times, 30 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Burst.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burst. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on burst

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!