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
Micro-interactions—such as a satisfying haptic pop or an encouraging confetti burst—create a sense of praise and emotional connection. Alex Kreger, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025 For us, steady progress is key, as rapid spikes often create unsustainable bubbles that eventually burst. Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 31 July 2025
Noun
Perhaps the country’s wildest, most isolated park, Corcovado bursts with 140 mammal species, 370 bird species, and 10,000 insect species. Mona Gable, AFAR Media, 4 Aug. 2025 With the appearance of a tempting jelly dessert, one swipe delivers a sheer, dewy burst of color (and even a glossy lip). Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 1 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for burst
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burst
Noun
  • The exec’s comments came after the company made a flurry of ESPN announcements, including a landmark deal with the NFL to swap equity for control of NFL Media assets.
    Dade Hayes, Deadline, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Since most of the agency’s old guard departed in a flurry of resignations more than a year ago, SANDAG’s new leaders have moved to make many of the outstanding reforms called for by auditors, a new report finds.
    Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • There's also been an explosion of machine identities, known as non-human identities (NHIs), that enterprises have to contend with.
    TK Keanini, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • The rapper and actor, whose real name is Scott Mescudi, was subpoenaed by federal prosecutors and was required to testify against the Bad Boy Records founder in regards to a home invasion and car explosion allegedly linked to Combs.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 13 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The children died in June 2023 in what prosecutors described as an eruption of violence motivated by fear of losing them to their father, Nathan John, according to the BBC, who survived the attack.
    Christina Coulter, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • The same earthquake is believed to have triggered the eruption of Klyuchevskoy, Kamchatka's most active volcano, which began on Wednesday.
    Isabel van Brugen, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • As the other undefeated team, Canada outscored its three opponents 19-4, but had to rely on some third-period outbursts to run up those offensive numbers.
    Carol Schram, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • This was no isolated outburst, but part of a broader effort to delegitimize conservative participation in academic life.
    Ilya Shapiro, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • One to 2 inches of rain is expected on the northern side of the island, but there may be pockets that see as much as 7 inches of rain, bringing the risk of flash flooding, DaSilva added.
    Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2025
  • Doja threw it back to the decade of glitz, glamour, and Aqua Net with her performance look, which was dripping in the maximalism and flash of the era.
    Kara Nesvig, Allure, 11 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The undrafted rookie from Western Michigan played center in spurts during college, but with Aaron Brewer and Liam Eichenberg sidelined by injuries, West has been called into duty and needs to tighten up.
    Omar Kelly July 28, Miami Herald, 28 July 2025
  • And running backs Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason have both struggled to stay healthy in spurts.
    Alec Lewis, New York Times, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • Multiple lawsuits were filed against Lineage for damages and health impacts of the blaze.
    Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 12 Aug. 2025
  • By Monday evening, a fire crew of 45 has achieved full containment of the blaze.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Single-digit humidity and wind gusts from 35 to 55 mph are possible.
    Kenton Gewecke, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2025
  • The red flag warning is active from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday for parts of Moffat, Routt, Rio Blanco, Garfield, Mesa, Montrose, Gunnison, Delta, Eagle and San Miguel counties, where relative humidity is as low as 8% and wind gusts could reach 35 mph.
    Katie Langford, Denver Post, 6 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Burst.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burst. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

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