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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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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

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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
Floating into her new school on a bubble of positivity that will stubbornly refuse to burst, Elle is a spot of color in a sea of black and plaid. — Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026 However, the extravagant nature of such spending appears to be a bubble that has now burst, especially given the obvious failure to build a domestic talent pool. — Simon Chadwick, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Noun
Each class features Primary Posture and a combination of dynamic stretching, isometric movements (like holds and pulses), and cardio bursts. — Hannah Harper, Health, 1 July 2026 The industry must now shift from indiscriminate spending to architecting efficient, AI-native solutions that prove their worth, or risk a significant bubble burst. — Jemma Green, Forbes.com, 2 July 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
  • With no natural predators and the ability to breed year-round, their populations have exploded over the decades.
    — Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
  • In early January 2025, weeks after UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was gunned down on the streets of New York City, a monstrous wildfire exploded in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles.
    — Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 5 July 2026
Definition of explode
Verb
  • Kelsey Pfendler completed a record-shattering solo row from California to Hawaii in just 43 days, becoming the fastest person ever.
    — Kim Elsesser, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
  • As the victim appeared to start to walk away, a gunshot rang out, and the Mitsubishi’s driver’s window shattered, the video showed, prosecutors alleged.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026
Definition of shatter
Verb
  • As the influence of the Daoism of Celestial Masters spread, Zhang Daoling would also come to be seen as a powerful deity in his own right, often depicted with bulging eyes and wearing a red robe, accompanied by a tiger.
    — Michael Naparstek, The Conversation, 6 July 2026
  • That ball found the head of Jude Bellingham, whose diving header bulged the net and opened the scoring.
    — Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
Definition of bulge
Noun
  • Salaün pointed to locking in on defense as part of what unlocked her late flurry.
    — Michael Nowels, Mercury News, 9 July 2026
  • Amid its six-shot flurry in the initial 10 minutes, Belgium created one golden chance that was a near miss.
    — Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2026
Definition of flurry
Noun
  • Iranian state media reported explosions in several locations, including in Bandar Mahshahr, where a Guard member was killed.
    — Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • In addition, the tritium is far safer compared to historical alternatives because beta particles cannot penetrate human skin, and the gas is securely stored in the form of a solid metal hydride foil, eliminating the danger of leakage or explosion.
    — David Szondy July 07, New Atlas, 8 July 2026
Definition of explosion
Noun
  • That shared energy—the crowd noise, the collective exhale, the spontaneous eruption—creates memory at a neurological level.
    — Jonathan Mallie, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
  • These intestinal eruptions usually last about a week, but can go on for two or more weeks, the CDC says, with dehydration being one of the most significant concerns.
    — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 7 July 2026
Definition of eruption
Verb
  • At least four people were killed after an explosive device was detonated in a Damascus cafe Thursday, Syria's Interior Ministry said.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026
  • It is now surrounded by fencing and ominous signs that read DANGER EXPLOSIVES and show a bomb being detonated.
    — Matt Viser, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026
Definition of detonate
Verb
  • The Marlins smashed 12 home runs against the A’s, their most ever in a three-game series.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026
  • Djokovic became so frustrated that he was given a code violation warning for smashing a racket, before eventually hauling himself over the line.
    — Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 5 July 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 9 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on burst

Nglish: Translation of burst for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about burst

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