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
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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
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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
Chanel Vargas,
InStyle,
27 June 2026
When at a restaurant, the table often hits at my bust line.
—
Judith Martin,
Sun Sentinel,
27 June 2026
Ali Swenson,
Los Angeles Times,
30 June 2026
Neighbors are worried the next crash could be the one that busts through their wall or hurts someone who lives in one of the nearby homes.
—
Drew Aunkst,
CBS News,
28 June 2026
Charlotte Observer,
1 June 2026
Makar may be part cyborg, but even the tightest machines can’t hide a busted axle.
—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for bust
Noun
Stewart wore the jacket bunched at the sleeves and layered over a plunging black bra with the same gold hardware at the center of the bust.
—
Chanel Vargas,
InStyle,
27 June 2026
When at a restaurant, the table often hits at my bust line.
—
Judith Martin,
Sun Sentinel,
27 June 2026
Verb
The fraud-busting efforts have also targeted Medicare programs.
—
Ali Swenson,
Los Angeles Times,
30 June 2026
Neighbors are worried the next crash could be the one that busts through their wall or hurts someone who lives in one of the nearby homes.
—
Drew Aunkst,
CBS News,
28 June 2026
Adjective
Moore suffered a possible broken nose and busted lip, the warrant said.
—
Charlotte Observer,
1 June 2026
Makar may be part cyborg, but even the tightest machines can’t hide a busted axle.
—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for bust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bust
Noun
-
Vingegaard’s victory at the Giro d’Italia in May, allied with Wout Van Aert’s cathartic win at Paris-Roubaix, has delivered two key objectives but the surprise departure of head of racing Grischa Niermann to Lidl-Trek was a blow.
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Hers is a voice that ought to have a lifetime’s staying power, bolstered by a lyrical and musical sensibility that provide everything her instrument needs to deliver a happy succession of knockout blows.
Noun
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Rodríguez said numerous public officials died in the disaster, including security personnel, municipal employees and military officers.
-
The Boyle Heights blaze, similar to the Eaton and Palisades fires, has revealed the region’s air monitoring can’t always tell people what they’ve been exposed to in a disaster.
Noun
-
Glazer reminded him of the presumption of innocence and told him not to discuss what happened during his arrest, only to speak privately with his attorney.
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Deputies served the warrant on Adrian Cruz and collected evidence that led to Cruz’s arrest on felony animal cruelty charges, authorities said.
Noun
-
My records show that pike are liable to begin a feeding spree anytime during the day.
-
After a week’s worth of trade fireworks—Giannis Antetokounmpo, LaMelo Ball and Kawhi Leonard are all on the move, among others—teams didn’t rush into a free-agent spending spree.
Verb
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Derived from a Central African shrub, the drug's ability to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings were uncovered by accident, when Howard Lotsof, a 19-year old addicted to heroin, tried ibogaine out of curiosity in 1962.
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Displaying tactical discipline and superior talent, the English national team defeated Mexico 3-2 with a lineup reduced to 10 men on Sunday night.
Verb
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The ruling was a victory for states, which said such claims could bankrupt them.
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Most manufacturers were bankrupted by equipment failures and financial challenges, making the 1990s a tough time for wind power’s pioneers.
Verb
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Even tiny electromagnetic disturbances can disrupt the quantum states that perform calculations, reducing the accuracy and reliability of the system.
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The decision severely hampered local planning for America’s 250th anniversary, disrupting history projects, museums and educational programs nationwide.
Verb
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Against Cardinals’ starting pitcher Matthew Liberatore, the Braves mustered just one hit and one run through five innings of an eventual 5-3 loss.
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Thomas had hit a leadoff double, but Michael Massey, Salvador Perez and John Rave failed to drive him in.
Cite this Entry
“Bust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bust. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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