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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Meena Duerson, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2026
Above the intricate lace bustier, the bodysuit also featured a massive diamond cutout accompanied by a smaller geometric cutout just below the bust.
—Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 11 Apr. 2026
Mac Engel
april 9, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2026
The trucking industry in general has been struggling to bounce back for years after experiencing an unprecedented boom, then bust, through the COVID-19 pandemic.
—Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026
Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal, 9 Mar. 2026
Three Panthers players in Bennett, Marchand and Reinhart look to aid Canada in its gold-or-bust journey.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bust
Noun
Go in there, bust in the door, look at the computer, take it, read it.
—Meena Duerson, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2026
Above the intricate lace bustier, the bodysuit also featured a massive diamond cutout accompanied by a smaller geometric cutout just below the bust.
—Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 11 Apr. 2026
Verb
Caught in this scenario is his sport that still needs him, busted parts and all, but would love nothing more than for the focus to be on the great players who are playing its most famous tournament.
—Mac Engel
april 9, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2026
The trucking industry in general has been struggling to bounce back for years after experiencing an unprecedented boom, then bust, through the COVID-19 pandemic.
—Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
Each year, March Madness can leave you with a busted bracket, so give yourself another chance to pick a winner with The Courier Journal's Louisville nachos tournament.
—Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal, 9 Mar. 2026
Three Panthers players in Bennett, Marchand and Reinhart look to aid Canada in its gold-or-bust journey.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bust
Noun
-
Sheehan managed to keep the Rockies from landing the big blow.—
Bill Plunkett,
Oc Register,
19 Apr. 2026
-
The Senate’s quick passage of the 10-day patch was starkly different than the House’s rare overnight session, during which House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) was dealt two consecutive blows.—
Hailey Bullis,
The Washington Examiner,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Use a bag bungee Trying to balance a travel tote on top of a rolling suitcase is a disaster waiting to happen, especially when navigating crowded terminals.—
Samantha Leal,
Travel + Leisure,
18 Apr. 2026
-
When the smoke alarm stayed silent, one very loud dog made sure his family didn’t sleep through a disaster.—
Ryan Brennan,
Miami Herald,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
During a foot chase and arrest, an officer was struck by an uninvolved vehicle, according to police.—
Adam Thompson,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Brown was issued a desk appearance ticket by cops for resisting arrest and obstruction of government administration, officials said.—
Colin Mixson,
New York Daily News,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
So, will the Rockies go on a spending spree this season?—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
12 Apr. 2026
-
Gennari and photographer Chris Fallows both agree the numbers of great whites plummeted a few years before Port and Starboard began their killing spree.—
Michael H Gavshon,
CBS News,
12 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Smith said after talking to Gregg, Wheels Up reduced the price to $850, but storage fees for having the car since April 1 bring the grand total to at least $2,600.—
Liz Crawford,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2026
-
Much like Vietnam, only a lot faster, the American war in Iran has reduced itself to saving face.—
Louis Menand,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Alamariu pointed out that the two European countries had effectively lost their empires by then after being bankrupted by World War II.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Analyses show the experiment succeeded at expanding access and controlling costs without bankrupting health systems or pharmaceutical firms.—
Michael Rose,
STAT,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Western analysts and officials say Ukraine has in recent months recorded battlefield successes against Russia’s bigger army, disrupting a spring offensive started by Russia amid improving weather, as fields dry out and new foliage on tree lines offers more cover.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 Apr. 2026
-
Panthers coach Paul Maurice said Florida didn't want to pay any homage to Quick during the game, so as not to disrupt the goalie's typical routines.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Available in both regular and petite lengths, the pants with a shorter inseam are ideal for my 5-foot-2 frame, hitting right at my ankle and pairing well with sneakers, sandals, or a short heel, depending on the occasion.—
Rachel Trujillo,
PEOPLE,
18 Apr. 2026
-
The Alexandria Real Estate Tech Center, a 47-acre, 14-building campus in Sorrento Mesa, also hit 100% occupancy.—
Noelle Harff,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bust. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
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