1
as in blow
a hard strike with a part of the body or an instrument
delivered a bust to the boxer's chops
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in disaster
something that has failed
the first movie was a hit, but the sequel was an unexpected bust
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in arrest
slang
the act of taking or holding under one's control by authority of law
those lowlifes were nabbed for drug dealing in a massive bust last month
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in spree
a bout of prolonged or excessive drinking
a bunch of underage kids having a beer bust while the parents were away for the weekend
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to reduce
to bring to a lower grade or rank
the commander threatened to bust her for failing to salute
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to bankrupt
to cause to lose one's fortune and become unable to pay one's debts
gambling is a dangerous habit that has busted many unfortunate souls
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to disrupt
to cause to separate into pieces usually suddenly or forcibly
the butterfingered husband had busted more plates than he cared to remember
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to hit
to deliver a blow to (someone or something) usually in a strong vigorous manner
busted the storekeeper on the nose and was promptly arrested for it
Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in to arrest
slang
to take or keep under one's control by authority of law
the cops busted the revelers for drinking in public
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in to wear
to use up all the physical energy of
I had to bust my butt in order to get the project done on time
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
variants
or busted
as in bankrupt
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of bust
Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 6 Jan. 2026
In two images, Bieber posed in a ultra plunging cheetah-print one-piece suit that featured a halter neckline, a massive midsection cutout that ran from her ribs to her pelvis, and lace-up detailing covering her abs and tying at her bust.
—Tessa Petak, InStyle, 5 Jan. 2026
Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 21 Dec. 2025
Together, the pair make gingerbread houses, bust some unexpected dance moves, play fun games, and learn the value of trying new things and meeting new people.
—Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 19 Dec. 2025
Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 27 Nov. 2025
The difference is Dart found wide open TE for easy TD on busted coverage.
—Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bust
Noun
But the move turned out to be a total bust and Fields was benched after struggling during his nine starts.
—Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 6 Jan. 2026
In two images, Bieber posed in a ultra plunging cheetah-print one-piece suit that featured a halter neckline, a massive midsection cutout that ran from her ribs to her pelvis, and lace-up detailing covering her abs and tying at her bust.
—Tessa Petak, InStyle, 5 Jan. 2026
Verb
What’s more, guests will soon be encouraged to join classes and workshops (be warned that the alabaster-boring is biceps-busting, even for a few minutes).
—Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 21 Dec. 2025
Together, the pair make gingerbread houses, bust some unexpected dance moves, play fun games, and learn the value of trying new things and meeting new people.
—Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 19 Dec. 2025
Adjective
The final two sacks unaccounted for came on busted plays.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 27 Nov. 2025
The difference is Dart found wide open TE for easy TD on busted coverage.
—Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bust
Noun
-
In the next game, Bishop delivered a blow to Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins over the middle that temporarily put him out of the game.—
Dan Pompei,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Moreno and his colleagues believe there is a small window in which to strike a deal and have proposed a longer period for open enrollment to soften the blow of premium increases.—
David Sivak,
The Washington Examiner,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The journalists who rushed to the scene managed to jot down the names of about a dozen—the VIPs (there were three members of parliament on the train that day, which was a factor in the disaster) and a couple of servants.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
-
As a train barrels toward her near the final moments of the video, Perry spots a daisy on the tracks — seemingly a nod to her daughter — and dodges disaster.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
FOXNews.com,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Beere added that officers were nearing key arrests in Saturday’s triple homicide.—
Shomik Mukherjee,
Mercury News,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Its most recent casualty update put the total at 34 protesters killed, two security forces killed, and 2,076 arrests.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Luchin was charged with the spree in state court last year, but now federal prosecutors have taken the reins.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
9 Jan. 2026
-
The robbery was believed to be one of eight Chicago-area bank heists pulled by Erickson in a 23-month crime spree that netted nearly $180,000.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
During his January 2025 State of the State address, Little called for tax cuts that could reduce the state’s general fund by about $100 million.—
Sarah Cutler,
Idaho Statesman,
9 Jan. 2026
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To reduce sizes, builders are going back to open floor plans with fewer hallways.—
Lew Sichelman,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Born in 1926 in Weimar Germany, where hyperinflation bankrupted his father’s business, the young Linz witnessed the breakdown of democracy and the onset of Hitler’s dictatorship.—
Stephen Kotkin,
Foreign Affairs,
16 Dec. 2025
-
County leaders are concerned about bankrupting the fund, which would in turn jeopardize county services.—
Erin Glynn,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
9 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Bullet train services were temporarily disrupted, and cameras mounted on buildings showed visible shaking.—
Anthony Trotter,
ABC News,
6 Jan. 2026
-
However, drinking caffeinated tea too late in the day can disrupt sleep.—
Anna Giorgi,
Verywell Health,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Iowa then got three good looks from the three-point line in the final seconds but couldn't hit the tying shot.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Despite their franchise history dating back to the mid-70s (via Kansas City and Colorado), which includes essentially all of the highest-scoring era in league history, the New Jersey Devils have never had a player hit either of the game’s most basic offensive milestones.—
Sean McIndoe,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bust. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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