burst 1 of 3

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 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
Flooding events have affected 21 counties and at least two rivers have burst their banks since heavy rains started earlier this month. ABC News, 27 Mar. 2026 Guests will have the opportunity to spend the night inside Hannah’s world, just steps from the ocean, and get a peek into the star’s legendary closet, where racks burst with glittering stage looks, sequined tops, and bold accessories. Charlie Vargas, Daily News, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
During weekends and on public holidays, spectacular sound and light shows transform the bridge at 9pm, when bursts of flames shoot from the dragon’s mouth. Tamara Hinson, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Mar. 2026 Then, without warning, colors start rippling across its skin — flashes of deep crimson, bursts of mottled brown, rapid shifts in texture — while its eyes dart and its limbs twitch. Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for burst
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burst
Noun
  • Golden State pulled away from there, keeping the pesky Wizards at bay with a flurry of 3-pointers and free throws.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 28 Mar. 2026
  • In the franchise’s inaugural game on March 14 in San Jose, a flurry of impressive saves kept Denver in it until the final whistle, despite the club playing a woman down for most of the match after Janine Sonis was sent off in the 26th minute.
    Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 27 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • After an accidental explosion in a West Village bomb factory killed three Weathermen, those who survived, shaken by their friends’ deaths, swore off deadly violence.
    Zayd Ayers Dohrn, New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Journalists heard several explosions from the direction of the Hezbollah stronghold, which Israel has repeatedly struck since war began.
    CBS News, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The last eruption of nationwide gatherings in October drew approximately 7 million people, according to their tally.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Aurora chasers will also be getting excited about the prospect of a possible glancing blow from the speedy CME released during the eruption.
    Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Risks are higher during periods of greater solar activity, which follows an 11-year cycle that researchers track by tallying the dark sunspots that represent magnetic storms capable of producing outbursts.
    Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 31 Mar. 2026
  • No one, not even Jason — who is baffled at the galley’s sudden collapse — is more surprised at Ellie’s outburst than Ben.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The Panthers are comfortable with Hubbard toting the ball, and Etienne — a fourth-round pick last year — has shown some flashes.
    Mike Kaye March 26, Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2026
  • The ongoing memory shortage is driving up the costs of both RAM and NAND flash storage.
    Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 25 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The end of Sora is most certainly not the first domino or the bursting of the AI bubble.
    Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Sometimes starting out feeling more like winter with snow and cold, and other year's bursting into bloom.
    Bailey Allen, The Providence Journal, 21 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Karaban, UConn’s career 3-point leader, punctuated the spurt that made it 56-44 with his fourth 3 of the game and the Huskies were never seriously challenged again.
    Dan Gelston, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026
  • Wooten scored six points in a 9-0 spurt that cut their deficit to 52-39.
    CBS News, CBS News, 23 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • But with the destruction came a swath of community support for the local businesses impacted by the blaze.
    Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Iran hits oil tanker in waters off Dubai An Iranian drone hit a Kuwaiti oil tanker in waters off the United Arab Emirates city of Dubai, sparking a blaze that was later put out, the Dubai Media Office said.
    Jon Gambrell, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Burst.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burst. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

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