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
Who could forget Morgan Riddle bursting on the scene in the summer of 2022? Sean Joseph Outkick, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2026 Enjoy walking through the gardens bursting with flowers designed to attract butterflies. Janet Kusterer, Baltimore Sun, 10 July 2026
Noun
The burst in interest was most notable with CD sales, which are up 16 percent this year; K-pop albums accounted for nearly 10 percent of that figure. Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 15 July 2026 Balinese, from the smaller Hindu isle, is often rawer, and features bright, exciting bursts or metallic clashes. Steve Hochman, SPIN, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for burst
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burst
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
Verb
  • Valiollah Hayati, deputy governor for security and law enforcement of Khuzestan Province, where Ahvaz is located, reported that a strike caused damage to nearby homes and shattered the windows of some housing units, according to IRIB.
    Sophia Saifi, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
  • Reed struck an officer twice in the forearm with the broomstick, which shattered upon impact with the officer’s arm.
    Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 16 July 2026
Verb
  • My husband Grant Wahl's bulged and burst, at an age when this disease usually means something inherited.
    Dr. Céline Gounder, CBS News, 13 July 2026
  • With a mouth that can stretch out as wide as rubber and eyes that seem perpetually on the verge of bulging out of their sockets, Campbell is the closest live-action screen actor equivalent cinema has ever had to Bugs Bunny.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 10 July 2026
Noun
  • The agency’s swift judgement on the incidents prompted calls for impartial investigations from local officials and a flurry of protests.
    Annette Choi, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
  • In the meantime, Silver anticipates that a flurry of one-and-done provisional arrangements will be hammered out before the new campaign tips off in October.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 15 July 2026
Noun
  • Several explosions were heard in Bampur last night around midnight local time, Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency said.
    Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
  • Authorities announced a blanket inspection following the May explosion, China's deadliest mining accident in years.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 July 2026
Noun
  • Francesco was known to be an alchemist who experimented with chemical substances, which could explain the skin eruptions, Giuffra added.
    Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
  • Because of its location, Goma has been affected by eruptions of Nyiragongo.
    Chinatsu Tsuji, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 July 2026
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
Verb
  • One tree not only uprooted a sidewalk but also smashed a parked car.
    Madeleine Wright, CBS News, 13 July 2026
  • The settlers then began to jump on the vehicle behind CNN’s — carrying another group of journalists — and smashed the windshield of that vehicle.
    Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 11 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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