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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in flurry
a sudden and usually temporary growth of activity
a sudden burst of industriousness whenever the boss appeared
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in explosion
a sudden intense expression of strong feeling
a burst of anger that startled the other members on the panel
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of burst
ABC News, 3 June 2026
The Walt Disney Concert Hall shop has become a Dudamel-torium, aisles bursting with Gustavo T-shirts, hoodies, tote bags, refrigerator magnets and this and that.
—Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026
Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 29 May 2026
In addition to supporting a healthy blood pressure, getting morning exercise may give you a burst of energy and put you in a good mood.
—Karen Berger, Verywell Health, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for burst
Verb
Steve Hilton has painted California as a state bursting with potential that has lost its way under Democratic leadership in his bid to be the state's first Republican governor in more than 15 years.
—ABC News, 3 June 2026
The Walt Disney Concert Hall shop has become a Dudamel-torium, aisles bursting with Gustavo T-shirts, hoodies, tote bags, refrigerator magnets and this and that.
—Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026
Noun
Take the emerald green couch and blue and purple throw pillows as evidence, or the thoughtful bursts of pastels found in the kitchen backsplash, bedroom wallpapering, wall mirror, and outdoor space.
—Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 29 May 2026
In addition to supporting a healthy blood pressure, getting morning exercise may give you a burst of energy and put you in a good mood.
—Karen Berger, Verywell Health, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for burst
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burst
Verb
-
America’s national parks shine in the summertime, with spectacular mountain passes thawed for the season, sparkling lakes and glittering beaches at the peak of their allure, and blankets of wildflowers exploding into bloom.—
Jessica Puckett,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 June 2026
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However, a primordial black hole born with a mass of just 1 ton would immediately explode, instantly reaching the Planck mass.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
3 June 2026
Verb
-
Over the prairie there would be lightning that evening, dropping in shattering bolts from swollen purple clouds.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 June 2026
-
Standard polystyrene shattered or punctured easily under the stress.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
3 June 2026
Verb
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And, soon, the OCFA crew learns that one of three storage tanks at the plant — one that contains the chemical methyl methacrylate, or MMA — is bulging.—
Andre Mouchard,
Oc Register,
2 June 2026
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The top of my head had been level with the bulging briefcase the girl had tucked under her arm.—
Annie Ernaux,
New Yorker,
1 June 2026
Noun
-
Nine people were injured in a flurry of gunfire in a crowd on Troost Avenue early Saturday morning, Kansas City police said.—
Nathan Pilling,
Kansas City Star,
7 June 2026
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The Knicks erased a fourteen-point Spurs lead in the third quarter and then surged ahead in the fourth, led once again by the New Yorker cover star Jalen Brunson, who added to his legend with a flurry of clutch jumpers in the final minutes.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
The larger and more immediate risk came from the possible explosion.—
Jason Henry,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
-
The chemical behind the explosion — ammonium nitrate — is not regulated under RMP.—
Evan Bush,
NBC news,
30 May 2026
Noun
-
While the meteor caused an eruption across Massachusetts, it was seen falling in nearby states before the explosion.—
Melina Khan,
USA Today,
1 June 2026
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Seeley drove in Allen for a 9-0 lead with a single, and Arzuaga ended the eruption with a two-run double.—
Tom Mulherin,
Boston Herald,
30 May 2026
Verb
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Authorities allege Roberts detonated both devices in a rock quarry area to test them.—
Ben Wheeler,
Kansas City Star,
3 June 2026
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The explosive detonated in Biak Numfor Regency in Indonesia's Papua Province on Sunday, May 31, leaving at least five people dead and five others hospitalized with injuries, The Jakarta Globe and Antara reported, citing local authorities.—
Bailey Richards,
PEOPLE,
31 May 2026
Verb
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The men would brandish firearms and smash car windows before demanding that the victim hand over the money.—
Ruben Vives,
Los Angeles Times,
5 June 2026
-
Every day, there are news reports of hundreds of people rioting in cities across our country — windows being smashed, merchandise stolen, police vehicles damaged and people being attacked and injured.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
4 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Burst.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burst. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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