eruption

noun

i-ˈrəp-shən How to pronounce eruption (audio)
Definition of eruptionnext
1
as in explosion
a sudden intense expression of strong feeling a great eruption of glee as it suddenly dawned on her that she had won

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2
as in firing
the act or an instance of exploding the eruption of the volcano Krakatoa was one of the most violent in global history

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of eruption The night that inspired Gothic literature In 1815, a volcanic eruption in Indonesia released a massive cloud of ash and particulates, large enough to affect global weather. — Maria Papadouris, JSTOR Daily, 20 Oct. 2026 And when the track finally resumed, the lyrics were nearly drowned out by the eruption of cheers as his silhouette was illuminated by golden lights. — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 19 Oct. 2026 The designation indicates heightened volcanic activity and the potential for an eruption, or an eruption underway with limited hazards to aviation. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026 Each eruption caused rapid deflation of the summit of Kilauea and was followed by the relatively slow refilling of the Halemaʻumaʻu magma reservoir. — John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for eruption
Recent Examples of Synonyms for eruption
  1. explosion
  2. firing
  3. outburst
  4. burst
Noun
  • Using the Gemini North telescope, Caiazzo and colleagues zoomed in on Pa 30, discovering knots along the strands of gas radiating out from the site of the cosmic explosion, like pearls on a string.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The explosion was set off in front of the local branch of Colombia's tax collection agency near the Francisco de Paula de Santander International bridge.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of explosion
Noun
  • The crew can also operate the weapon system from a remote control unit up to meters away from the firing line.
    — Muskan Bhatia, Interesting Engineering, 1 Nov. 2026
  • No reason was given for the firing, the latest in a series of ousters or departures of military leaders under Hegseth.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of firing
Noun
  • The fines could be rescinded if the coaches avoid sideline outbursts for the rest of the season, as the league calls for more civil interactions between coaches, players and officials.
    — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
  • From harassing Brady over his divorce from Gisele Bündchen on social media to trying to be a rapper and much more, Brown’s post-football life has been one filled with public outbursts and controversial statements and stunts.
    — Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of outburst
Noun
  • This nebula, called the Red Spider Nebula, is scuttling around space while its central star, glowing bright red in the middle, ejects bursts of gas and dust.
    — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 31 Oct. 2026
  • At the same time, the city has been marked with a recent burst of violence as some criticize Quiroz for failing to carry on her partner’s fight against crime.
    — Megan Janetsky, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of burst

Browse Nearby Words

erupting
eruption
eruptions
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Cite this Entry

“Eruption.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/eruption. Accessed 3 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on eruption

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about eruption

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