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
Railroads transformed America, but many railroad investors lost money after the railroad bubble burst in the 1890s. James Broughel, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026 Into this landscape, ChatGPT burst onto the scene in November 2022, famously becoming the fastest product to reach 100 million people. David S. Bennahum, Fortune, 24 May 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
  • 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
  • Next to her is a bulging Balenciaga mini bag, and a pair of oversized sunglasses on her head are perched atop a mop of jet black curls.
    Rachel Brodsky, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026
  • That expansion can lead to bulging eyes, double vision and related challenges.
    Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 27 May 2026
Noun
  • Eastern Ukraine — There is a whirr, a flurry of dust, a pause as the grainy image recalibrates, and then a devastating blast.
    Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 30 May 2026
  • The checkup came amid mounting scrutiny of the president's health, particularly given recent flurries of late-night social media posts, as well as his at-times tired demeanor during official meetings.
    Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 30 May 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
  • 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
  • Authorities allege Roberts detonated both devices in a rock quarry area to test them.
    Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 3 June 2026
  • 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
  • Prosecutors argued at trial that Shirilla smashed into the building to end her toxic relationship with Russo, and Flanagan just happened to be along for the ride.
    Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 30 May 2026
  • Lackey, whose name has become synonymous with this all-time great Tech season, smashed a two-run homer that went 456 feet at 110 mph off the bat.
    Gabriel Burns, AJC.com, 29 May 2026

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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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