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.
This time, there wasn’t nearly as long of a gap between scoring outbursts. Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 22 Apr. 2026 Director Matt Pfeiffer tries not to tie it too strongly to an extreme light or dark mood but does keep up a snappy pace, plays most of the angriest outbursts for laughs and takes good advantage of the openness of the Playhouse on Park stage area. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2026 The Lyrids can sometimes produce surges of up to 100 meteors per hour, but Lunsford says with about a 60-year period between these particularly active outbursts the next one isn’t expected until 2040. Avni Trivedi, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2026 That seems even more likely following his impressive 32-point outburst in Monday’s Game 2 win against the Knicks. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 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 28 Apr. 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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