burst 1 of 2

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
Tordoir says the one crucial driver of this shock is that, essentially, China has been trying to export its way out of a domestic slump ever since its real-estate bubble burst around 2021. Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 30 Sep. 2025 He was being chased around by the Dolphins defense and was able to avoid would-be tacklers to find a hole and burst through it. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
The observations detected a puzzling event as the planet transitioned from a steady accretion rate in April and May to a burst of growth between June and August. Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025 There’s nothing like a burst of citrus to wake up the senses, which is why Allure commerce editor Sarah Han starts her mornings with Origins Refreshing Scrub Cleanser. Lily Wohlner, Allure, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for burst
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burst
Verb
  • From there the phrase has exploded with TikTokers and even some Reddit users finding ways to incorporate the term and its accompanying hand gestures into their content.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The post also included a video showing aerial footage of a fast-moving boat at sea that suddenly explodes.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Each episode explores how Taylor shattered Hollywood’s glass ceiling, built a billion-dollar business empire, and transformed celebrity activism through her pioneering work in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
    Peter White, Deadline, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Jeff sustained a gunshot wound that shattered his ankle, receiving two surgeries to remove the bullet and leather from his foot.
    Natalie Davies, Freep.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • RAKxa Jai, meanwhile, focuses on holistic wellness, with teams of staff offering a bulging book of treatments, including crystal healing, traditional Ayurvedic treatments and Marma Healing massage.
    Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
  • The Saetbyol-4, which shares the Global Hawk's bulging fuselage design, is a reconnaissance aircraft while the Saetbyol-9, like the Reaper, is an attack drone.
    Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • After the Dolphins’ early flurry — 14 of their points came off Young turnovers — the Panthers kept Miami (1-4) off the scoreboard for five consecutive series.
    Joseph Person, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • The American serial killer, whose crimes would go on to inspire a flurry of horror films (including Psycho and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre), was also known as the Butcher of Plainfield.
    Yasmeen Hamadeh, PEOPLE, 5 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Florida, meanwhile, had an offensive explosion with 457 yards on a night when quarterback DJ Lagway and receiver Dallas Wilson — making his college debut after a foot injury sidelined the freshman prior to Saturday — showed off the upside the Gators have been waiting for.
    Grace Raynor, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Attack largest of war on Lviv, Governor says A Reuters correspondent heard explosions booming across the dark morning sky as air defenses engaged targets from several directions.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 5 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • These spirals of solar wind can lead to large solar eruptions that can affect astronauts in orbit and key technological infrastructure on Earth.
    Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 6 Oct. 2025
  • The dazzling display is linked to two solar eruptions, known as coronal mass ejections (CMEs), that are now heading toward Earth.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Authorities determined the package was not explosive but detonated it out of an abundance of caution, a USU spokesperson told Newsweek in an email Tuesday evening.
    Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Still, Nevo's mind often drifts to the moment in Gaza when Palestinian militants detonated explosives in a home, wounding him and killing two close friends in his army unit.
    Daniel Estrin, NPR, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The 28-year-old provided another example with his second goal of the game, beating Robin Koch and smashing Bayern’s third into the top corner, late in the second half.
    Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • In addition to smashing the Machine, Swift also easily soared over Paul Thomas Anderson’s acclaimed One Battle After Another, the Leonardo DiCaprio-starring drama that fell to second place in week two.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 6 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Burst.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burst. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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