Definition of outburstnext
1
as in explosion
a sudden intense expression of strong feeling the judge directed the courtroom spectators to refrain from any outbursts when the verdict was read

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2
3
as in eruption
the act or an instance of exploding in the outburst known as a supernova, the star may reach an intrinsic luminosity one billion times that of the sun

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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 outburst The crackdown—which came amid a shrinking economy, rising costs, tax increases, and Ukrainian drone strikes on the country’s energy sector—led to a rare outburst of public discontent and an equally uncommon acknowledgment of the dissatisfaction from Putin. Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 8 May 2026 At certain peaks, such as Italy’s Stromboli and Etna volcanoes, which regularly spout fountains of lava, scientists can confidently forecast an outburst. Quanta Magazine, 8 May 2026 Until then, neighbors will have to deal with the man's outbursts. Lauren Pozen, CBS News, 8 May 2026 At 11 years old, after a series of violent outbursts, she was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for outburst
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outburst
Noun
  • Rubin, with the exquisite detail of its images, is well placed to find these types of events, in which stars disappear in explosions that can be too faint for other surveys to see.
    Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 15 May 2026
  • In New York City, the explosion of rideshare pickups and last-mile delivery overwhelmed curbside infrastructure built for a different era.
    Chase Garbarino, Fortune, 15 May 2026
Noun
  • As tensions escalate there's been a flurry of diplomacy across the globe.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 May 2026
  • That kicked off a flurry of activity — starting with those who questioned why this was the first warrant for Duckett after more than three decades on death row.
    Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 May 2026
Noun
  • The remaining 17 climbers managed to return to their base camp after the eruption and reported their friends missing to the authorities, per CNA.
    Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 11 May 2026
  • Both agencies agree there is a chance for additional M flares and maybe even X-class eruptions over the coming days as sunspot regions AR4436 and AR4432 continue to evolve.
    Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 11 May 2026
Noun
  • Known as the theme park capital of the world, Central Florida bursts with family-friendly fun.
    Lisa A. Beach, Southern Living, 10 May 2026
  • While most passengers are considerate, late-night returns and early-morning departures can bring bursts of noise outside your door.
    David Nikel, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026
Noun
  • In a remote part of northwestern Venezuela, there is a crack and flash of lightning most nights of the year.
    Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 13 May 2026
  • Yet the sport still shows flashes of strength.
    CBS News, CBS News, 13 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Outburst.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outburst. Accessed 17 May. 2026.

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