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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in flurry
a sudden and usually temporary growth of activity
a sudden burst of industriousness whenever the boss appeared
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of burst
Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025
The district said electrical issues began that Wednesday when freezing temperatures led a fire sprinkler head to burst and exposed the building's electrical system to water.
—David Ferrara, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Paolo Confino, Fortune, 9 July 2025
Filled with burst, juicy tomatoes, slivers of red onion, and lots of garlicky juices, this colorful chicken dish is rustically elegant enough for company, yet easy enough to pull off on any weeknight.
—Josh Miller, Southern Living, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for burst
Verb
Shot entirely on an iPhone 5s and bursting with kinetic energy, Tangerine is completely unapologetic in its irreverent approach; a raw and vibrant odyssey through the streets of Los Angeles on Christmas Eve.
—Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025
The district said electrical issues began that Wednesday when freezing temperatures led a fire sprinkler head to burst and exposed the building's electrical system to water.
—David Ferrara, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Noun
Traders seemed to ignore this latest round of tariff news—a stark contrast to their reaction in April when President Donald Trump’s initial burst of tariff policies caused a broad market selloff that hit equities, the U.S. dollar, and the bond market.
—Paolo Confino, Fortune, 9 July 2025
Filled with burst, juicy tomatoes, slivers of red onion, and lots of garlicky juices, this colorful chicken dish is rustically elegant enough for company, yet easy enough to pull off on any weeknight.
—Josh Miller, Southern Living, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for burst
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burst
Verb
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Earlier this week, excitement exploded online after an announcement suggested that staking $100,000 in TON for three years, plus a one-time $35,000 processing fee, would grant applicants a 10-year UAE Golden Visa.—
Sandy Carter,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
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During World War II, the company created field rations for the armed services, and Chef Boyardee exploded to a company with $20 million in annual revenue (over $320 million in today’s money).—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
7 July 2025
Verb
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But the resulting scandal shatters her reputation, as well as that of Nina’s teenage daughter, Clara.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
People.com,
9 July 2025
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In those terrifying moments, Ryan shattered a window in a final attempt to get his family out.—
Alaa Elassar,
CNN Money,
6 July 2025
Verb
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Even as dome construction bulged on the Italian peninsula from the eleventh to fifteen centuries, Romans held off on joining the building bandwagon until the late 1400s.—
Matthew Wills,
JSTOR Daily,
12 June 2025
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In every photo, Tater's eyes bulged with what can only be described as pure joy.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 June 2025
Noun
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The singer announced the surprise album less than 12 hours before its release, with billboards and a flurry of Instagram posts signaling its arrival.—
Brittany Spanos,
Rolling Stone,
11 July 2025
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Conflicting accounts from workers and federal officials have raised a flurry of questions as DHS officials say their agents were shot at.—
Michelle Krupa,
CNN Money,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
The Yankees’ double-digit explosion on a rainy night provided plenty of breathing room for a bullpen that has been taxed and decimated by injuries.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
9 July 2025
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An investigation into the cause of the explosion, dubbed the Oakdale Fire, is led by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, a division of Cal Fire.—
Ishani Desai
July 8,
Sacbee.com,
8 July 2025
Noun
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On July 9, USGS said the most recent eruption had ended.—
Elizabeth Weise,
USA Today,
14 July 2025
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It is believed that in most cases, the eruption completely destroys the white dwarf.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
2 July 2025
Verb
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The bomb squads were detonating more fireworks to try to make the area safe.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
8 July 2025
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During an operation by the Northern Brigade, explosive devices were detonated against IDF ground troops who were operating in the area, IDF officials told Fox News Digital.—
Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
8 July 2025
Verb
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The other oar was smashed off, and the raft was littered up with leaves and branches and dirt.—
John Nogowski,
Hartford Courant,
6 July 2025
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The Bay of Fundy in Canada, which has the highest tidal range in the world (reaching up to 50 ft (15 m) and would make for an excellent source of clean energy for the region, has routinely been smashing tidal turbines to bits with its rapid tidal streams.—
Abhimanyu Ghoshal,
New Atlas,
2 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Burst.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burst. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
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