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 Sharpe’s news division revealed footage of Brian’s outburst on children’s television, ruining his career. Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 2 July 2025 Even during a fiery outburst on June 3, when a member of the public started lobbing profanities at Combs, the rapper looked blankly at the woman before turning back around in his chair. Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 1 July 2025 Before our child spreads their wings and leaves there may be flaring tempers, rebellion, and angry outbursts—which may leave many of us hurt, scratching our heads, and wondering what exactly is going on. Sherri Gordon, Parents, 24 June 2025 Mention that season, and most cite his 56-point outburst against Annapolis Area Christian School. Sam Cohn, Baltimore Sun, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for outburst
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outburst
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
  • The Esparto Fire Protection District responded to the scene, but could not engage the explosions coming from within the warehouse, and so set about stopping the fire raging across the valley floor.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
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
  • The galaxy can be seen undergoing a burst of star formation thanks to the tidal influence of a galactic neighbor, with the glowing red form of an emission nebula visible throughout, giving the impression of a cosmic firework display.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 13 July 2025
  • The raging river bursts from its banks around this time, sweeping homes, cars, campers and cabins downstream.
    Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • Residents are urged to take precautions as further flash flooding is possible.
    Hannah Parry Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
  • Camp nurse Devon Paige had been working at Camp Mystic — a 100-year-old camp that has served as a summer getaway for the likes of future first ladies and the daughters of presidents, per Politico — when the Guadalupe River began to surge amid historic flash flooding in the region on July 4.
    Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 7 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Outburst.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outburst. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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