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

Pair a winning culture of a respected NBA franchise with a top five talent like Giannis Antetokounmpo and blockbuster is supposed to happen, if the main characters stay healthy, everyone buys in, and the sports Gods are kind. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026

The Jackets obviously acquiesced in a preseason blockbuster deal that sent Matthew Knies the other way, and on Tuesday night, Marchenko got a housewarming gift from his former teammate Adam Fantilli in the form of a bone-crushing hit. — Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2026

The blockbuster ambitions are best illustrated by the production’s recruitment of Rambaldi. — J. Kim Murphy, IndieWire, 21 Oct. 2026

The results, from two Phase 3 trials spanning 371 patients, could unlock a new blockbuster market for Roivant. — Jason Mast, STAT, 21 Oct. 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
• maister

Kids Definition

blockbuster

noun

block·​bust·​er ˈbläk-ˌbəs-tər 

: one that is very large, successful, or violent

a blockbuster of a movie