like gangbusters

phrase

Synonyms of like gangbustersnext
: with great or excessive force or aggressiveness
came on like gangbusters
also : with great speed or success
was selling like gangbusters

Word History

First Known Use

1939, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of like gangbusters was in 1939

Rhymes for like gangbusters

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Browse Nearby Words

like dishwater
like gangbusters
like (greased) lightning
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Cite this Entry

“Like gangbusters.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/like%20gangbusters. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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