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.
The Billikens logged a triple-figure outburst of their own, beating Georgia by a 102-77 final. Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2026 Included in the early outburst, Frost forward Taylor Heise scored just 27 seconds into the game. Theodore Tollefson, Twin Cities, 19 Mar. 2026 Still, wanting to be a team player, Anthony is warm, friendly, and offers an encouraging word to the future CEO — despite Dougie’s obvious nerves and his random outbursts in Jamaican Patois. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 19 Mar. 2026 While presenting at the British Academy Film Awards earlier this month, Jordan and co-star Delroy Lindo were called a racial slur by Tourette’s activist John Davidson during a tic outburst. Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 14 Mar. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Outburst.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outburst. Accessed 23 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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