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
  • 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
  • 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
Noun
  • 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
  • Fire investigators determined the fire and explosion were intentionally set.
    Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 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
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
  • Set at first in 2007, when Hamas seized control after a brief civil war with opposing party Fatah, the story backgrounds the politics while foregrounding a low-key crime dramedy filled with flashes of dark humor.
    Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 19 May 2025
  • To pull off the brief flash of Norma on the big screen, Lloyd and his team began developing a working upstage studio, out of sight from the audience, to shoot the live footage.
    Matt Minton, Variety, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • Without the ball, Wirtz uses spurts of energy to press opponents, often running from in to out to prevent them progressing the ball centrally and enjoys contesting duels.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 16 May 2025
  • Coyle was an instant hit with his coach and teammates, had a productive spurt near the end of the regular season, and then went quiet against Dallas.
    Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • In 2016, a contractor working on a trailer parked at the department’s Tactics and Survival Training Center sparked a blaze while using a metal grinder.
    Alene Tchekmedyian, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2025
  • Two other people suffered minor injuries — as well as a firefighter — from the blaze.
    Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • Prepare for penny-sized hail (0.75 inches) and wind gusts of up to 50 mph.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 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 3 Jun. 2025.

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