burst 1 of 2

verb

ˈbərst How to pronounce burst (audio)
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

1
as in flurry
a sudden and usually temporary growth of activity a sudden burst of industriousness whenever the boss appeared

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2
as in explosion
a sudden intense expression of strong feeling a burst of anger that startled the other members on the panel

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3
as in eruption
the act or an instance of exploding one burst after another could be heard in the distance

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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
Eighty-five percent of family offices rank artificial intelligence as their top investment theme, despite 75% expecting an AI bubble to burst within the next five years, according to a new survey. — Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 12 Oct. 2026 For Kumari's family, making their house livable meant securing something that burst of fame had failed to deliver on — a more stable place from which to build their lives. — Kamala Thiagarajan, NPR, 11 Oct. 2026
Noun
The delectable dip paired with the sugary chips was a heavenly combination, with a surprising burst of chocolate in every scoop. — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026 Both batteries produce a burst of 20V at startup but run at 18V normally. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for burst
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burst
  1. explode
  2. shatter
  3. bulge
  4. flurry
  5. explosion
  6. eruption
  7. detonate
  8. smash
Verb
  • The story effectively went viral, Churchill told me, and lock-picking competitions briefly exploded in popularity.
    — Shayla Love, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Shares exploded higher by as much as 211% but retreated from those peaks and are starting to form an interesting baseline.
    — Jay Woods, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of explode
Verb
  • However, her plans are shattered when the body of a young woman is discovered in a bog, drawing Nora into a complex murder investigation alongside the local Garda team.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The story follows the transformation of Adriana (Colin), a woman shattered by a terrible murder and who discovers the strength to start over, driven by an unquenchable thirst for justice.
    — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of shatter
Verb
  • Simmons has been out since training camp, with what head coach Andy Reid more recently called a bulging disc in his back.
    — Sam McDowell October 12, Kansas City Star, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Like clockwork, Khloé’s eye starts bulging out, Kylie Jenner grows a tail, and Kourtney’s face becomes a fingernail.
    — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of bulge
Noun
  • Florida has accelerated its pace of executions amid a flurry of death warrants signed by DeSantis since 2025.
    — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Facing a flurry of negative reactions, the AI content was taken down within three hours.
    — Daniel Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of flurry
Noun
  • More recently, the Kremlin has expressed hope that those who orchestrated the explosions will be held accountable.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The trailer also featured glimpses of steamy makeouts, ATV chases down the beach, fiery explosions, and good ol’ bar fights.
    — Isabella Albaig, Vulture, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of explosion
Noun
  • Xu Fu and Ma Junsheng also play surrogate dads to Seif, whose increasingly violent eruptions threaten to change the course of his life more than once.
    — Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The designation indicates heightened volcanic activity and the potential for an eruption, or an eruption underway with limited hazards to aviation.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of eruption
Verb
  • Forever Home FilmNation Entertainment, the Mediapro Studio A corpse beneath an idyllic home detonates this domestic thriller adapted from Graham Norton’s bestseller.
    — Emiliano de Pablos, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
  • In one of the recent demonstrations in the town of Lens on Monday, a 15-year-old had picked up a police dispersal grenade that detonated, losing his hand and part of his lower arm, officials said.
    — Greg Norman-Diamond, FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of detonate
Verb
  • Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, smashing beef with a wooden spoon, until wine is evaporated, surface of pot is almost dry, and meat is finely ground, 12–15 minutes.
    — Andy Baraghani, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026
  • At the current clip, they are predicted to give up 5,168 yards, smashing the 2011 Packers’ record of 4,988.
    — Bill Reinhard, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of smash

Phrases Containing burst

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burrs
burst
burst (forth)
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Cite this Entry

“Burst.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burst. Accessed 18 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on burst

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about burst

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