1
as in explosion
a sudden intense expression of strong feeling the judge directed the courtroom spectators to refrain from any outbursts when the verdict was read

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2
3
as in eruption
the act or an instance of exploding in the outburst known as a supernova, the star may reach an intrinsic luminosity one billion times that of the sun

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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 outburst This proximity to a red dwarf is problematic, however, as these pipsqueak stars can punch well above their weight by regularly unleashing violent stellar outbursts. Jonathan O'Callaghan, Scientific American, 8 Sep. 2025 Coleman had touchdown runs of 15, 1, 9, 7 and 5 yards to ignite the outburst as Washington piled up 628 yards and 34 touchdowns while limiting the Aggies to 218 yards and 13 first downs. Joe Davidosn, Sacbee.com, 7 Sep. 2025 That shows Davidson freaking out about meeting the queen in order to accept his MBE, finding his inner strength with the help of Dottie to entering the grand hall with a vulgar outburst and charmingly apologizing. Carole Horst, Variety, 7 Sep. 2025 Before Kansas City’s quick outburst, Ryan had allowed 10 runs all season in the first inning. David Brown, Twin Cities, 7 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for outburst
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outburst
Noun
  • The more massive stars can produce heavier elements such as carbon, oxygen and nitrogen, all the way up to iron, in a sequence of fusion reactions that end in a supernova explosion.
    Luke Keller, Space.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • But two years ago, as the latest wave of artificial intelligence began reshaping education, Leskovec told Fortune he was rocked by the explosion of his field into the mainstream.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The glass-half-full crowd would view such a flurry of transactions as evidence that five teams wanted Ureña enough to sign him.
    Mike Digiovanna, Oc Register, 7 Sep. 2025
  • In part of a flurry of motions from both sides in the past week, Stines is asking for a judge to release him on bail.
    Andy Rose, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Around the time of this flip, solar activity gradually ramps up, causing more solar eruptions like solar flares and coronal mass ejections.
    Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The tour also visits Heimaey, Vestmannaeyjar’s only inhabited island, and the lava fields created by the 1973 volcanic eruption.
    Mia Taylor, Boston Herald, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • As the sun sets, diners dig into burgers dressed up like banh mi, with pickled daikon, rich duck liver mousse, and a burst of cilantro.
    The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Set in the country's highlands, La Ruta de Las Flores is a scenic drive that connects several villages, and bursts to life when the coffee fields lining it come into full bloom.
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • What was meant to be a moment of silence for Kirk on the floor of the House of Representatives on Wednesday evening soon gave way to flashes of a vitriolic political divide that would escalate in the aftermath of the 31-year-old’s death.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 11 Sep. 2025
  • A-list celebrities surrounded by camera flashes didn't round out the front row – fashion editors, designers and industry experts did.
    Anika Reed, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Outburst.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outburst. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

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