burst 1 of 3

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 3

noun

burst (forth)

3 of 3

verb (2)

as in to erupt
to develop suddenly and violently hives burst forth on the child's arms and face whenever she goes near that plant

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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
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
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
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
  • The Esparto Fire Protection District responded to the scene, but could not engage the explosions coming from within the warehouse, and so set about stopping the fire raging across the valley floor.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • On July 9, USGS said the most recent eruption had ended.
    Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 14 July 2025
  • It is believed that in most cases, the eruption completely destroys the white dwarf.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 2 July 2025
Noun
  • For its part, the Kremlin has played down any suggestion that President Trump’s recent critical outburst has had much impact.
    Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 9 July 2025
  • Willi Castro belted a solo shot off Hodge to make it 5-0, Lewis singled in a run, and Harrison Bader completed the six-run outburst with a two-run homer of his own off Hodge.
    Dan Hayes, New York Times, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • Meteorologists expect 1-3 inches of rainfall on Saturday and a slight chance of flash flooding, due to heavy rainfall over the past few days.
    Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 19 July 2025
  • Trump and Abbott have pushed back aggressively against questions about how well local authorities responded to forecasts of heavy rain and the first reports of flash flooding.
    John Hanna, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2025
Noun
  • And inflation has been feeling upward pressure recently from a spurt in oil prices because of Israel’s fighting with Iran.
    Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2025
  • The Rockets responded with a 6-1 spurt to tie things at 13 before Gibendi and Branch Barnes took over for Natick.
    Matt Roy, Boston Herald, 11 June 2025
Noun
  • By Saturday afternoon, the fire crew has managed to contain none of the blaze.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 19 July 2025
  • Eight of the victims killed in the blaze have been identified.
    Abigail Adams, People.com, 18 July 2025
Noun
  • The blaze, which was started by lightning 10 days ago, rapidly grew to 7.8 square miles due to hot temperatures, low humidity and strong wind gusts, fire officials said.
    Jade Walker, CNN Money, 14 July 2025
  • The fire grew quickly overnight Saturday into Sunday morning, expanding to burn over 500 acres in the park as wind gusts reached up to 40 miles per hour.
    Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Burst.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burst. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

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