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

The acclaimed adaptation of Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 blockbuster opened in the summer of 2019. —Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 6 Feb. 2026

Even Cleveland did some salary-dumping outside of the Garland-for-Harden blockbuster. —Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 6 Feb. 2026

According to the administration, several popular medications — including the blockbuster obesity drugs Zepbound and Wegovy — are being offered at a discount. —Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026

One is trading either Duran or Abreu in a mini blockbuster, ideally for the infield bat the club needs. —Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 5 Feb. 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