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
This 24-inch wreath is nearly bursting with colorful foliage. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 25 Sep. 2025 What is the one thing (the collapse of a broadcaster, a rule change, et cetera) that could burst the Premier League balloon? Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
Add life with flowers and greenery From bright marigolds to hardy mums, autumn flowers thrive in cooler weather and add bursts of color to your porch. Angie Hicks, Boston Herald, 25 Sep. 2025 Teammates see his burst in practice, but also in the weight room during dead lifts. Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for burst
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burst
Noun
  • After a flurry of small moves over the past week, the Charlotte Hornets made one that has bigger ramifications as training camp nears.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Yet that same 30-year period saw a flurry of research and activity to try to reduce geriatric falls and their potentially devastating consequences, from hip fractures and brain bleeds to restricted mobility, persistent pain, and institutionalization.
    Paula Span, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • One officer on the scene advised reporters to move back, saying there was a small possibility of an explosion.
    Kristen Jordan Shamus, USA Today, 28 Sep. 2025
  • One officer on scene advised news media to move back, saying there was a small possibility of an explosion.
    Andrea May Sahouri, Freep.com, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • That was the sound of Blackwell’s game-deciding block, followed by the deafening final eruption from the stands of Allegiant Stadium.
    Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Jenkins was ready, calmly raising his camera to capture the eruption.
    John Armwood III, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • That leaves Maria to take matters into her own hands when the boy’s latest outburst lands meek would-be teacher’s pet Pauline (Nia Brown, another gifted first-timer) with a broken arm.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 24 Sep. 2025
  • After the outburst, Wilcox apologized, but that moment remains unforgettable.
    Steve Helling, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Be aware of hazards such as dead standing trees and flash flooding, and crews working on the recovery who may be present.
    Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Localized flash flooding is possible in areas that receive the heaviest rainfall, with a low to medium likelihood.
    Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • That is to say, Stokoe is not afraid of giving you a good chest-bursting.
    Daniel Dockery, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2025
  • Warmed by the fires of partisanship or consumed by the bursting of flames?
    Robert A. Strong, The Conversation, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • As the lieutenant falls to the ground dead, blood spurts from his head.
    Time, Time, 20 Sep. 2025
  • The training takes place in 10-hour spurts.
    Ryan Murphy, IndyStar, 18 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Blake Richard Hoover, 31, of Charlotte County, was charged with arson and criminal mischief for the blaze that broke out at the Chabad of Charlotte County in Punta Gorda on Friday, the Punta Gorda Police Department said in a news release.
    Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2025
  • Nearly 100 people were displaced after a blaze swept through a Miami Beach hostel on Monday evening, with the Red Cross stepping in to help.
    Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Burst.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burst. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.

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