blockbuster

noun

block·​bust·​er ˈbläk-ˌbə-stər 

often attributive

1

: a very large high-explosive bomb

2

: one that is notably expensive, effective, successful, large, or extravagant

3

: one who engages in blockbusting

Synonyms of blockbuster

• success
• hit

Examples of blockbuster in a Sentence

a 900-page blockbuster of a novel

the movie is expected to be the biggest blockbuster of the summer

Recent Examples on the Web

Now, his work on Josh Safdie’s buzzy ping-pong blockbuster Marty Supreme has gotten Lopatin short-listed for an Oscar. —Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 5 Jan. 2026

This includes how the museum started as an idea in 1915-16, its construction and opening in 1926, its conversion into a hospital during World War II, its modernization with a new west wing in the 1960s and ’70s, blockbuster exhibits in the 1980s and ’90s and plans for the future west wing. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026

His super-sized action hero persona dazzled Californians like the pyrotechnics in one of his Hollywood blockbusters. —Los Angeles Times, 4 Jan. 2026

Museum blockbusters When major shows land here, the calendar starts arranging itself. —Eric Barton, Sun Sentinel, 4 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for blockbuster

• adjuster
• baluster
• combustor
• lackluster
• bluster
• buster
• cluster
• duster
• juster
• luster
• lustre
• muster

Kids Definition

blockbuster

noun

block·​bust·​er ˈbläk-ˌbəs-tər 

: one that is very large, successful, or violent

a blockbuster of a movie