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
Shot entirely on an iPhone 5s and bursting with kinetic energy, Tangerine is completely unapologetic in its irreverent approach; a raw and vibrant odyssey through the streets of Los Angeles on Christmas Eve. Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025 The district said electrical issues began that Wednesday when freezing temperatures led a fire sprinkler head to burst and exposed the building's electrical system to water. David Ferrara, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Noun
Traders seemed to ignore this latest round of tariff news—a stark contrast to their reaction in April when President Donald Trump’s initial burst of tariff policies caused a broad market selloff that hit equities, the U.S. dollar, and the bond market. Paolo Confino, Fortune, 9 July 2025 Filled with burst, juicy tomatoes, slivers of red onion, and lots of garlicky juices, this colorful chicken dish is rustically elegant enough for company, yet easy enough to pull off on any weeknight. Josh Miller, Southern Living, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for burst
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burst
Noun
  • The singer announced the surprise album less than 12 hours before its release, with billboards and a flurry of Instagram posts signaling its arrival.
    Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 11 July 2025
  • Conflicting accounts from workers and federal officials have raised a flurry of questions as DHS officials say their agents were shot at.
    Michelle Krupa, CNN Money, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • The Yankees’ double-digit explosion on a rainy night provided plenty of breathing room for a bullpen that has been taxed and decimated by injuries.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 9 July 2025
  • These new requirements, including this relatively tight deadline, could trigger an explosion of litigation across the state as condo associations begin to reassess governing documents, assessment structures, and recorded declarations, Pardo said.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • Featuring hundreds of diagrams from the past millennium, ranging from financial charts to maps of volcanic eruptions, the exhibition provides the kind of survey that brings definition to an entire category of visual communication.
    Jonathon Keats, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • Earth processes – such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions – also trigger cascading hazards, often with long-lasting effects.
    Brian J. Yanites, The Conversation, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • Willi Castro belted a solo shot off Hodge to make it 5-0, Lewis singled in a run, and Harrison Bader completed the six-run outburst with a two-run homer of his own off Hodge.
    Dan Hayes, New York Times, 9 July 2025
  • For its part, the Kremlin has played down any suggestion that President Trump’s recent critical outburst has had much impact.
    Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • Residents are urged to take precautions as further flash flooding is possible.
    Hannah Parry Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
  • But areas around the Guadalupe River have also long been prone to flash flooding, owing to the rugged terrain and the river’s non-absorbent limestone bed.
    Michelle Krupa, CNN Money, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • And inflation has been feeling upward pressure recently from a spurt in oil prices because of Israel’s fighting with Iran.
    Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2025
  • The Rockets responded with a 6-1 spurt to tie things at 13 before Gibendi and Branch Barnes took over for Natick.
    Matt Roy, Boston Herald, 11 June 2025
Noun
  • The fire had ignited about 6 p.m. near the intersection of Hellyer Avenue and Silicon Valley Boulevard, according to the San Jose Fire Department, which battled the blaze with assistance from Cal Fire.
    Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 7 July 2025
  • The blaze sparked around 3:30 a.m. on July 5 at the bar and restaurant Minerva Avenue at 1002 Buchanan Street, according to news reports.
    Kelly Puente, The Tennessean, 6 July 2025
Noun
  • South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 3 July 2025
  • West southwest wind 6 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.
    Chris Sims, IndyStar, 3 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Burst.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burst. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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