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
Fintech valuations fell dramatically over the next two years, after interest rates rose and the bubble burst. Jeff Kauflin, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025 The weather didn’t put a damper on the energy of the performers or the crowd as fireworks burst over the stage and fire effects lit up the damp night. Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 June 2025
Noun
On the skin, the fragrance opens with a burst of lime and bright, spicy pink peppercorn, evoking the feeling of walking through a citrus grove under the desert sun. Austa Somvichian-Clausen, Robb Report, 15 June 2025 The novel’s ending is the sort of style-melding genre-bending writing Oates is known for, where the plot is wrapped up in a burst of emotive, rhythmic, fantastical, almost abstract yet deeply human prose. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 15 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for burst
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burst
Noun
  • Then, in early May, came a flurry of warnings — emails from spoofed Coinbase.com addresses, suspicious activity alerts, and a barrage of phone calls.
    Jennifer Jolly, USA Today, 18 June 2025
  • President Trump's flurry of recent presidential pardons has cost crime victims and taxpayers approximately $1.3 billion in restitution and payments, according to a review by House Judiciary Democrats.
    June 17, CBS News, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • No one was injured in the explosion, which rained debris on the beaches of the northern Mexican state of Tamaulipas.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 27 June 2025
  • Like Squid Game, Dead Set juxtaposes familiar cultural symbols and settings with grim, inevitable explosions of blood, straddling the line between twisted, compelling drama and a sobering reminder of violence lurking in our present society.
    Rory Doherty, Time, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • Volcanic activity is documented since the 17th century, with most eruptions limited to the smaller Lewotobi Laki-laki.
    David Bressan, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
  • The eruption is flowing into a remote area of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
    Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • Mention that season, and most cite his 56-point outburst against Annapolis Area Christian School.
    Sam Cohn, Baltimore Sun, 25 June 2025
  • After Trump’s outburst, no further ceasefire violations have taken place.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • While Manning did show flashes during his limited playing time over the past couple of seasons, former college football coach Steve Spurrier doesn't appear ready to buy the hype surrounding the young quarterback.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 25 June 2025
  • Torrential rainfall is occurring with this storm, and may lead to flash flooding.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • However, without such news, the stock price often trended down as shareholders awaited the next good news spurt.
    John S. Tobey, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
  • The legislation comes amid the latest spurt of runaway production as other states ramp up their film and TV tax incentives programs in an effort to lure production away from California.
    Katie Campione, Deadline, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • Two firefighters battling a house blaze were transported to the hospital for heat exhaustion, as temps surged past 100 degrees on Tuesday.
    Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 25 June 2025
  • The powerful blaze blew out the building’s windows, leaving glass shards on the ground.
    Rebecca White, New York Daily News, 22 June 2025
Noun
  • The fire occurred on a breezy spring day, with strong gusts blowing from west to east, pushing flames and thick black smoke along the pier toward the shore.
    Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 June 2025
  • One strong gust of wind can be enough to flip one of these trailers onto its side.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 22 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Burst.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burst. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

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