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 Leatham, a biological male who identifies as a woman, is prone to loud outbursts that disrupt court proceedings and routinely launches into tirades accusing government attorneys of transphobia. Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 29 Jan. 2026 This doesn’t mean enraged outbursts or accusatory monologues. Molly Burrets, CNBC, 29 Jan. 2026 The volcanic outburst was detected by Juno’s JIRAM (Jovian InfraRed Auroral Mapper) instrument, for which Mura is the principal investigator. Keith Cooper, Space.com, 29 Jan. 2026 Emily, an interlooper in their home, is determined to set a plan but frustrated by her sister’s outbursts and her father’s passivity. Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 28 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for outburst
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outburst
Noun
  • Video footage that appeared to be taken at the scene captured loud blasts and the sky glowing following explosions that began around midnight and lasted about two hours in the area of Diori Hamani International Airport.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 31 Jan. 2026
  • An explosion was reported at a metal fabricating plant on Thursday night in Pennsylvania, according to officials.
    Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Having beaten Rybakina from a similar situation in the 2023 title clash, Sabalenka unleashed a flurry of winners to go ahead 3-0, but the Kazakh erased the deficit and broke for 4-3 before securing the victory to add to her 2022 Wimbledon triumph.
    Reuters, NBC news, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Garnett, a Biden appointee, ruled after a flurry of court filings in the prosecution and defense in recent months.
    Michael R. Sisak, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Perhaps a cataclysm—an earthquake, a volcanic eruption—had driven those people away.
    Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
  • The eight main islands were formed by eruptions, landslides and erosion over thousands of years.
    Emily Price, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Richard, who had 6 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists in the opening quarter, hit a three-pointer and had an assist in the Tigers' closing burst.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Feb. 2026
  • Also, some bursts showed strong circular polarization, a signal characteristic of magnetic processes.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 1 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Clayton is a 2025 first-rounder who showed flashes of athleticism off the bench for Utah this season.
    John Hollinger, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
  • With a 1-inch-type imaging sensor, a wide 115-degree field of view, and up to 15x hybrid zoom, the emphasis is less on flash, and more on clarity, balance, and making large rooms feel readable for a remote participant.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Outburst.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outburst. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.

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