burst 1 of 3

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 3

noun

burst (forth)

3 of 3

verb (2)

as in to erupt
to develop suddenly and violently hives burst forth on the child's arms and face whenever she goes near that plant

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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
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
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
  • So these quests march on even as the crack of explosions grows louder.
    Carole V. Bell, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2025
  • Salt Lake has had this huge explosion over the past few years.
    McKinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 3 June 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
Noun
  • Damon Valdez singled in the fourth run of the inning and singled in a run in the Griffins’ four-run outburst in the sixth.
    Lou Ponsi, Oc Register, 20 May 2025
  • William followed up a Day 1 bagel with a 24-point outburst in Day 2, while Bates shot 1 of 6 on the first day but scored 19 points on eight shots on the second day.
    John Hollinger, New York Times, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • There have been recent flashes from guys such as Houston’s Azeez Al-Shaair.
    Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 30 May 2025
  • The twist here is that it’s being seen through the lens of a Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game campaign, which makes sense for a play with a flash of magic in it.
    Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • Before that point, Towns had success scoring in spurts against the Pacers.
    Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 24 May 2025
  • Any sense of preparedness for the baby’s arrival is notable by its absence as the characters spin out in spurts of productive energy, desperate to lay out the next track in the road in front of them.
    Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • The blaze destroyed a travel trailer, officials said.
    David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2025
  • The fire was brought under control by around 7:39 a.m. The blaze’s cause was not immediately known.
    Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 1 June 2025
Noun
  • Prepare for penny-sized hail (0.75 inches) and wind gusts of up to 50 mph.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 29 May 2025
  • The set-up led to several major storms on Memorial Day that walloped the southern Plains and Southeast with strong wind gusts, a few tornadoes and large hail.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 29 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Burst.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burst. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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