outburst

noun

out·​burst ˈau̇t-ˌbərst How to pronounce outburst (audio)
Synonyms of outburstnext
1
: a violent expression of feeling
an outburst of anger
2
: a surge of activity or growth
… new outbursts of creative power …C. E. Montague
3
: eruption
volcanic outbursts

Examples of outburst in a Sentence

the judge directed the courtroom spectators to refrain from any outbursts when the verdict was read there was a remarkable outburst of work in the office as the visiting VIPs made their tour
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Amorim’s pointed public outburst at Leeds before his Old Trafford end was on the agenda, so too was the position of Sunday’s opposition boss Oliver Glasner at Crystal Palace. Ian Irving, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2026 As it’s been stressed a number of times, Davidson cannot stop his outbursts and they are delivered without malice. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 27 Feb. 2026 Even though a minority of people with Tourette syndrome experience coprolalia, media portrayals of Tourette’s disproportionately focus on outbursts of profanity. Rena Zito, Fortune, 26 Feb. 2026 Police were called twice to the home to respond to apparent angry outbursts from Bushey, once after the knives were removed, and once after the locks were changed, which reportedly led Bushey to break off a doorknob to enter the house. City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for outburst

Word History

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of outburst was in 1657

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Cite this Entry

“Outburst.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outburst. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

outburst

noun
out·​burst -ˌbərst How to pronounce outburst (audio)
1
: a sudden violent expression of strong feeling
an outburst of anger
2
: a sudden increase in activity or growth

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