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
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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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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
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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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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
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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
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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
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Recent Examples of bust
Miami Herald,
23 June 2026
The town square features a bust of Hans Christian Andersen and a replica of Copenhagen's famous Little Mermaid statue.
—
Laura Itzkowitz,
Travel + Leisure,
23 June 2026
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
19 June 2026
Reagan and Thatcher were dismantling the postwar labour settlement—deregulating industries, busting unions, privatizing state assets, cutting corporate taxes from highs above 50% to the 20s.
—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
17 June 2026
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
21 May 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
And the Heat roster is hardly those two and bust.
—
Miami Herald,
23 June 2026
The town square features a bust of Hans Christian Andersen and a replica of Copenhagen's famous Little Mermaid statue.
—
Laura Itzkowitz,
Travel + Leisure,
23 June 2026
Verb
Well, that gives me all the more motivation to bust right through that thing.
—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
19 June 2026
Reagan and Thatcher were dismantling the postwar labour settlement—deregulating industries, busting unions, privatizing state assets, cutting corporate taxes from highs above 50% to the 20s.
—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
17 June 2026
Adjective
This is, as Abdul Rehman says, boom or bust time in Fantasy Premier League land; your last chance to beat your mates or colleagues.
—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
21 May 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
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While dealing real damage, Moscow’s ability to adapt has prevented Ukraine’s drone campaign from dealing the decisive blow Kyiv’s allies had hoped.
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Apple could still handle the iPhone differently by raising only Pro model prices, adjusting storage tiers, leaning on carrier promotions or pushing trade-in offers harder to soften the blow.
Noun
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Given the scale of the disaster, specialized teams from the United States, Mexico, Colombia, Spain, and other countries began mobilizing toward Venezuela in coordination with local authorities and the United Nations.
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It was declared a disaster zone and militarized on Thursday.
Noun
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Joanna Shoulder received the beating as discipline for wetting her bed, according to a homicide detective’s account of his interview of the girl’s father described in an arrest warrant affidavit.
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Family set to announce reward Weeks later, with no leads or arrests in the case, one theory is gaining traction with the victim's family.
Noun
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The charges stem from a March 15 crime spree in southeast Portland that prosecutors said targeted four women.
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And Louis, perhaps exhausted from his spree of bouts, but also perhaps looking past Schmeling, hadn’t trained much.
Verb
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New flyover ramps connecting to I-95 would also be built, while sound barriers would be installed along both sides of the corridor to help reduce traffic noise for nearby residents.
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The rich treatment balances strengthening plant proteins with nourishing rosehip and sweet almond oils to reduce breakage and replenish moisture.
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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The fires also disrupted travel across parts of Miami-Dade County.
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Poor nutrition, lack of physical activity and health conditions like metabolic bone disease can disrupt bone remodeling, leading to weaker bones over time.
Verb
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Lightning hits the United States approximately 25 million times annually.
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The Iraq goalkeeper didn't make a play on it, as the ball hit the post and bounced away.
Cite this Entry
“Bust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bust. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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