burst 1 of 2

Definition of burstnext
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
Puppies bursting with joy weave between the legs of their young handlers, while older dogs move neatly between the cones with gentle guidance – and treats – from the kids. Patricia Huon, Christian Science Monitor, 30 June 2026 That joy was bursting at the seams; the kids couldn't wait for the ceremonial ribbons to be cut. Bo Evans, CBS News, 29 June 2026
Noun
Try simmering a cinnamon stick with your banana peel tea for an additional burst of flavor. Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 27 June 2026 The runs are coming via the homer, as expected, but in small bursts, too. Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for burst
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burst
Verb
  • Online sales boomed and Nekhala said his business exploded.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 24 June 2026
  • Software engineers have arguably been the first class of workers to see the technology upend their jobs, as programming tools like Anthropic’s Claude Code and OpenAI’s Codex have exploded in popularity.
    Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • Seconds later, a powerful explosion blasted through the doorway, shattering windows and sending vertical blinds and debris flying as firefighters quickly retreated from the building.
    Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
  • Republican Rick Jackson shattered spending records in Georgia by spending $108 million of his own money into his campaign for governor.
    Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • Monday’s home run props will hopefully right the ship and bulge the profits, creating more wiggle room for another drought.
    Josh Shepardson, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • Schoenaerts menacingly grins his way through the movie, with appealingly bulging eyes.
    ABC News, ABC News, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • June was a frenetic month for the metro Atlanta restaurant scene, driven in part by a flurry of downtown openings timed to the beginning of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
    Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 1 July 2026
  • Trump took in tens of millions of dollars in fees from a flurry of new hotel, resort and condo deals overseas that amounts to the biggest property expansion ever in the century since the family business was founded.
    Bernard Condon, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • Tuesday night's explosion from Contreras had actually been 24 hours in the making.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
  • Authorities in the wealthy city-state of Monaco have launched a manhunt that’s stretched across the border into France after several people were wounded in an explosion caused by a bomb that was planted in a residential building.
    Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • The intense burst of X-rays released during the eruption reached Earth in just over 8 minutes, triggering strong (R3) radio blackouts across the daylight side of Earth.
    Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 1 July 2026
  • Emissions from volcanic eruptions can also cause some chemical chaos in this system.
    Scott K. Johnson, ArsTechnica, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • In one video a drone runs into protective netting at least 50 feet above the target and detonating prematurely.
    David Hambling, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
  • Between 1946 and 1958, the United States military detonated 67 nuclear bombs around the island, raising questions about their lasting impact on marine life.
    Denise Petski, Deadline, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • Powell is accused of smashing the mug over the victim's head.
    Jennifer Borrasso, CBS News, 30 June 2026
  • The van’s windows were smashed and a lone orange traffic cone sat on the hood.
    Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Burst.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burst. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

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