burst 1 of 2

1
as in to explode
to break open or into pieces usually because of internal pressure the turnover's crust burst when the filling expanded

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2
as in to shatter
to cause to break open or into pieces by or as if by an explosive finally burst the piñata open with one mighty swing of the bat

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3
as in to bulge
to be copiously supplied a young singer/dancer who seems to be bursting with energy and talent

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burst

2 of 2

noun

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of burst
Verb
Streaming services led by Netflix burst onto the media landscape in the 2010s promising, among other innovations, commercial-free TV and movies. Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 23 July 2025 Lawler burst onto the political scene by toppling ex-Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney in the 2022 midterms in a race that featured a round of internal Democratic bickering following a redistricting battle that changed the district somewhat. Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 23 July 2025
Noun
Traders seemed to ignore this latest round of tariff news—a stark contrast to their reaction in April when President Donald Trump’s initial burst of tariff policies caused a broad market selloff that hit equities, the U.S. dollar, and the bond market. Paolo Confino, Fortune, 9 July 2025 Filled with burst, juicy tomatoes, slivers of red onion, and lots of garlicky juices, this colorful chicken dish is rustically elegant enough for company, yet easy enough to pull off on any weeknight. Josh Miller, Southern Living, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for burst
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burst
Verb
  • The team’s high valuation shows how strong a demand there is to invest in Formula 1, which saw its popularity explode in the U.S. thanks to Netflix’s Drive to Survive series—and surely Brad Pitt and Damson Idris’s F1 flick helped out with that, too.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 31 July 2025
  • The controversy exploded when Randi (@Randipandy_) posted a now-viral video from her car, blasting parents who refuse to buy even basic items for the classroom.
    Heather Hunter, The Washington Examiner, 31 July 2025
Verb
  • Keenan’s only injuries were from the car’s shattered glass, but Denaro was shot five times and needed a metal plate to replace a part of his skull, which was shattered by the bullets.
    Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 2 Aug. 2025
  • That sense of serenity was shattered Monday when a man stormed the Midtown building with an assault rifle and unleashed a hailstorm of bullets, killing three people in the lobby.
    Holly Yan, CNN Money, 1 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Both can affect your quality of life: Atherosclerosis can cause heart attacks, strokes, poor blood flow to the legs, or bulging arteries.
    Alexandria Nyembwe, Health, 20 July 2025
  • Blount, who appeared wearing a white button-down shirt and tie, his hands shackled in front of him, his bulging gut and beige tie spilling over his beige pants, appeared impassive and refused to meet his victim’s gaze as Rothschild addressed him personally.
    Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • That area has seen a flurry of property sales since Mayor Joe Hogsett announced his intentions to build a professional league stadium at what is now the downtown Indianapolis heliport, but some of the Simon property purchases predate the mayor's public announcement.
    Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 25 July 2025
  • This move could be the first of a flurry after Arizona was swept by Houston earlier this week.
    Zack Meisel, New York Times, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • But as the Sunshine State was facing the same chronic shortage of homes plaguing the rest of the country, the explosion in demand resulted in house prices booming to unprecedented highs.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Aug. 2025
  • The fighting began last week after a land mine explosion along the border wounded five Thai soldiers.
    Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • There have been three major eruptions at Yellowstone, according to NPS.
    Saleen Martin, USA Today, 22 July 2025
  • The devastation following the volcano’s famous eruption in 79 CE is well-documented across multiple archeological sites at Pompeii, Herculaneum, and elsewhere.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 16 July 2025
Verb
  • The atomic bomb detonated instead above the Shima Surgical Hospital.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 July 2025
  • The rule was introduced in response to an unsuccessful attempt by a passenger to detonate liquid explosives on a transatlantic flight.
    Will McGough, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
Verb
  • Abraham Toro led off the fifth with a single against Twins starter Simeon Woods Richardson, Anthony drew a walk and Alex Bregman smashed a three-run homer to put the Red Sox ahead 3-2.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 29 July 2025
  • What no one knew at the time was the right engine of the plane had smashed into the elevator shaft, crashing down and severing cables on its way.
    Susan Young, People.com, 28 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Burst.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burst. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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