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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in flurry
a sudden and usually temporary growth of activity
there was a remarkable outburst of work in the office as the visiting VIPs made their tour
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
For a subset of children with disruptive behaviors like physical outbursts and tantrums that last 15 minutes or more, an early warning could be truly helpful.
—
Michelle Fay Cortez, Bloomberg, 5 Jan. 2026
In his brief time in the House, freshman Jewish Congressman Randy Fine has built a reputation for combative outbursts — particularly about Muslims.
—Andrew Lapin, Sun Sentinel, 5 Jan. 2026
Despite Amorim’s emotional outbursts, Ratcliffe, Berrada, and Wilcox have continued to support Amorim.
—David Ornstein, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026
With his 21-point outburst on 7-for-7 shooting in the second, Jenkins set the franchise scoring record for a Pistons reserve in one quarter.
—CBS News, 4 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for outburst
Michelle Fay Cortez, Bloomberg, 5 Jan. 2026
In his brief time in the House, freshman Jewish Congressman Randy Fine has built a reputation for combative outbursts — particularly about Muslims.
—Andrew Lapin, Sun Sentinel, 5 Jan. 2026
Despite Amorim’s emotional outbursts, Ratcliffe, Berrada, and Wilcox have continued to support Amorim.
—David Ornstein, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026
With his 21-point outburst on 7-for-7 shooting in the second, Jenkins set the franchise scoring record for a Pistons reserve in one quarter.
—CBS News, 4 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for outburst
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outburst
Noun
-
Local media also reported that several explosions were heard before the fire began.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
PEOPLE,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Jonathan Taylor’s offensive explosion helped push the Indianapolis Colts past the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday in the first NFL regular-season game in Berlin, 31-25, in overtime.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
9 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The 50-year mortgage proposal came amid a flurry of posts from Pulte, a member of one of America’s most prominent homebuilding families, who was fresh off a Friday appearance at ResiDay, a residential real estate conference hosted by ResiClub.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Prospect Avenue was renamed Hollywood Boulevard, and a flurry of tony hotels, palatial theaters and glitzy boutiques opened along the stretch between Vine Street and Highland Avenue.—
Oren Peleg,
HollywoodReporter,
9 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
But scientists still can’t fully predict how big an eruption will be, which can affect planning to help deal with the potential consequences on Earth.—
Jackie Flynn Mogensen,
Scientific American,
5 Jan. 2026
-
While tantrums seem to come out of nowhere, striking with speed and intensity at the most inopportune times, scientists have been zeroing in on the buildup that can be underway for some time before an eruption.—
Michelle Fay Cortez,
Bloomberg,
5 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The only constant is Mount Etna, looming off to one side, at times sputtering out smoke, ash, and short bursts of lava.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 Jan. 2026
-
And yet, two-thirds into the song’s six-minute lurch, a beaming synth line appears like a biblical burst of light, a plea for sanctuary from perpetual chaos.—
Stuart Berman,
Pitchfork,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Intense flash flooding in towns like Wrightwood and Phelan in recent weeks caused devastating mudslides and washed-out roads, forcing people to be rescued by helicopter.—
Zach Boetto,
CBS News,
10 Jan. 2026
-
The look was polished from root to tip, with a glossy finish that practically bounced off the camera flashes.—
Larry Stansbury,
Essence,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Outburst.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outburst. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share