1
as in reducing
to bring to a lower grade or rank
the commander threatened to bust her for failing to salute
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in bankrupting
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 disrupting
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 hitting
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 arresting
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 killing
to use up all the physical energy of
I had to bust my butt in order to get the project done on time
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of busting
With all its starts and stops, twists and turns, reaches and lunges, pickleball is busting the Medicare bank, with a few hundred million dollars’ worth of injuries each year.
—
Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2026
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
Authorities on California's Central Coast arrested nine people, including a juvenile, after busting a burglary in-progress at a cannabis grow house early Monday morning.
—CBS News, 16 Dec. 2025
This is seemingly why their carry-on luggage and duffel bags are always perfectly packed, not busting at the seams.
—Jillian Dara, Travel + Leisure, 12 Dec. 2025
While there have been a few occasions in which Iranian tankers have been seized due to sanctions busting, this is the first time that there has been a seizure of a vessel departing Venezuela and with a Venezuelan crew.
—Francisco J. Monaldi, The Conversation, 12 Dec. 2025
After a shin-busting day on the slopes, reward yourself with a tri tip steak sandwich, or an order of Baja fish tacos.
—Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 10 Dec. 2025
But complexity-busting needs to be a permanent government priority rather than an episodic enthusiasm.
—Adrian Wooldridge, Twin Cities, 6 Dec. 2025
The union is asking the company for better hours to improve staffing, higher take-home pay so baristas can pay their bills and the resolution of outstanding legal issues as a result of union busting.
—Lillian Metzmeier, Louisville Courier Journal, 5 Dec. 2025
Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2026
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
Authorities on California's Central Coast arrested nine people, including a juvenile, after busting a burglary in-progress at a cannabis grow house early Monday morning.
—CBS News, 16 Dec. 2025
This is seemingly why their carry-on luggage and duffel bags are always perfectly packed, not busting at the seams.
—Jillian Dara, Travel + Leisure, 12 Dec. 2025
While there have been a few occasions in which Iranian tankers have been seized due to sanctions busting, this is the first time that there has been a seizure of a vessel departing Venezuela and with a Venezuelan crew.
—Francisco J. Monaldi, The Conversation, 12 Dec. 2025
After a shin-busting day on the slopes, reward yourself with a tri tip steak sandwich, or an order of Baja fish tacos.
—Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 10 Dec. 2025
But complexity-busting needs to be a permanent government priority rather than an episodic enthusiasm.
—Adrian Wooldridge, Twin Cities, 6 Dec. 2025
The union is asking the company for better hours to improve staffing, higher take-home pay so baristas can pay their bills and the resolution of outstanding legal issues as a result of union busting.
—Lillian Metzmeier, Louisville Courier Journal, 5 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for busting
Verb
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Once stationary, deactivate all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights are not illuminated, reducing the risk of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Permeable pavers allow rainwater to soak into the ground, reducing flood risk, while offering an upscale look.—
Angelika Pokovba,
Martha Stewart,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
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County leaders are concerned about bankrupting the fund, which would in turn jeopardize county services.—
Erin Glynn,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
9 Dec. 2025
-
See video … WATCH TOM HOMAN – With a secure border, the US is bankrupting cartels.—
,
FOXNews.com,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Airlines canceled hundreds of flights, disrupting plans for thousands of travelers during a busy holiday weekend and in a region that experts say is among the most popular for travelers this time of year.—
Greg Iacurci,
CNBC,
10 Jan. 2026
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One woman, Trish, told CBS News the fear was already disrupting daily life amid an influx of 2,000 federal law enforcement members in the Twin Cities metro area.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Tire tread depth - Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Nov. 2025
-
After an incompletion on third down, McCashland’s 25-yard field goal attempt was no good, hitting the right upright with 17 seconds remaining in the half.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The arresting officer’s injuries did not require medical attention, Frasier told the Idaho Statesman by email.—
Rose Evans,
Idaho Statesman,
7 Jan. 2026
-
The government is also still cracking down on dissent, arresting people for celebrating Maduro’s capture.—
Matt Nighswander,
NBC news,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The charges relate to his killing Scott Wonoski, 43, a fellow inmate at the Massachusetts Treatment Center in Bridgewater, in 2021.—
Flint McColgan,
Boston Herald,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Those on the right, determined to make the case that this was an officer killing in self-defense, should instead be beginning with this utter failure to protect the life of a civilian protester and de-escalate the situation through some means other than shooting a fellow American in the head.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Considering this poor return (scoring points was a key target in demoting Doohan for Colapinto), Briatore acknowledged during the Dutch GP weekend that Alpine may have unnecessarily burdened its young Argentine driver.—
Madeline Coleman,
New York Times,
29 Sep. 2025
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Spirit has been looking for ways to slash costs, including furloughing and demoting hundreds more pilots and cutting unprofitable routes.—
Leslie Josephs,
CNBC,
26 Aug. 2025
Verb
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And, from this week’s issue, Nicola Twilley’s reporting on another lingering effect of the wildfires—smoke taint that is ruining grapes and threatening California’s wine industry.—
Dana Goodyear,
New Yorker,
7 Jan. 2026
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The video then shows the man asking if the situation was ruining Kaleel's Christmas.—
Jade Jackson,
IndyStar,
6 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Busting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/busting. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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