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 can lead to rapid mood swings, difficulty controlling emotions, aggressiveness, and outbursts. Mark Gurarie, Health, 22 Sep. 2025 A week after his outbursts were broadcast to millions by FOX’s TV cameras, his was on the end of one on NBC cameras. Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2025 Rodgers' first-half outburst is arguably one of the most dominant performances by a defensive player in NFL history. Trevor Squire, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025 The astonishing Laanstra-Corn does not play Hedvig purely as an innocent; there’s something as dangerous and emotionally labile in her shocked face as there is in Gregers’s explosive outbursts. Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for outburst
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outburst
Noun
  • One officer on the scene advised reporters to move back, saying there was a small possibility of an explosion.
    Kristen Jordan Shamus, USA Today, 28 Sep. 2025
  • One officer on scene advised news media to move back, saying there was a small possibility of an explosion.
    Andrea May Sahouri, Freep.com, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • After a flurry of small moves over the past week, the Charlotte Hornets made one that has bigger ramifications as training camp nears.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Yet that same 30-year period saw a flurry of research and activity to try to reduce geriatric falls and their potentially devastating consequences, from hip fractures and brain bleeds to restricted mobility, persistent pain, and institutionalization.
    Paula Span, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • That was the sound of Blackwell’s game-deciding block, followed by the deafening final eruption from the stands of Allegiant Stadium.
    Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Jenkins was ready, calmly raising his camera to capture the eruption.
    John Armwood III, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Is the attraction the fact that it's forbidden and only exists in these short bursts?
    Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Diet Coke is a low-calorie, sugar-free twist on the classic soda, and a burst of lime adds the perfect tangy twist.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Be aware of hazards such as dead standing trees and flash flooding, and crews working on the recovery who may be present.
    Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Localized flash flooding is possible in areas that receive the heaviest rainfall, with a low to medium likelihood.
    Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean, 25 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Outburst.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outburst. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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