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
After Paris Saint-Germain burst Arsenal’s post-Real Madrid bubble in the Champions League on Tuesday, Thursday was England’s day in Europe. Elias Burke, New York Times, 2 May 2025 There are sometimes only images: foggy white drizzle, melted rainbows in a gasoline puddle, pink foam insulation bursting between slats of splintered wood. Jia Tolentino, New Yorker, 3 May 2025
Noun
Trump's tariff escalation, announced April 2, set off concern among economists and consumers about a possible burst of inflation, since importers typically pass along a share of such taxes in the form of price hikes. Max Zahn, ABC News, 13 May 2025 The dining room ceiling, adorned with an unexpected burst of orange floral wallpaper, breathes new life into the 100-year-old house. Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for burst
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burst
Noun
  • The news spread quickly, and the prospect of IDR payments doubling or tripling for some married borrowers led to a flurry of questions, distress on social media, and even talk of extreme measures.
    Shahar Ziv, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
  • In a flurry of diplomatic developments over the weekend, Russia shunned the ceasefire proposal tabled by the U.S. and European leaders, but offered direct talks with Ukraine on Thursday.
    Illia Novikov, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025
Noun
  • Fire investigators determined the fire and explosion were intentionally set.
    Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 21 May 2025
  • An explosion of heated coverage followed the initial report, much of it seemingly reliant on police leaks or pure speculation for sourcing.
    Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • The eruption can also form new thermal vents and offer a place for these organisms to repopulate.
    Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 16 May 2025
  • Flames coach Kelly Nangle did not seem surprised by O’Brien’s eruption.
    Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 10 May 2025
Noun
  • Damon Valdez singled in the fourth run of the inning and singled in a run in the Griffins’ four-run outburst in the sixth.
    Lou Ponsi, Oc Register, 20 May 2025
  • William followed up a Day 1 bagel with a 24-point outburst in Day 2, while Bates shot 1 of 6 on the first day but scored 19 points on eight shots on the second day.
    John Hollinger, New York Times, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • To pull off the brief flash of Norma on the big screen, Lloyd and his team began developing a working upstage studio, out of sight from the audience, to shoot the live footage.
    Matt Minton, Variety, 19 May 2025
  • Set at first in 2007, when Hamas seized control after a brief civil war with opposing party Fatah, the story backgrounds the politics while foregrounding a low-key crime dramedy filled with flashes of dark humor.
    Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • Without the ball, Wirtz uses spurts of energy to press opponents, often running from in to out to prevent them progressing the ball centrally and enjoys contesting duels.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 16 May 2025
  • Coyle was an instant hit with his coach and teammates, had a productive spurt near the end of the regular season, and then went quiet against Dallas.
    Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • Two other people suffered minor injuries — as well as a firefighter — from the blaze.
    Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 19 May 2025
  • In 2016, a contractor working on a trailer parked at the department’s Tactics and Survival Training Center sparked a blaze while using a metal grinder.
    Alene Tchekmedyian, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • Winds are expected to be north winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph expected.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 17 May 2025
  • Wind gusts of up to 50 mph and pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) are anticipated.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 17 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Burst.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burst. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

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