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 Isaac Collins had two hits and two RBIs, and the Kansas City Royals used a five-run outburst in the fourth inning to hand the Angels their fifth loss in six games, 6-3 on Friday night. Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2026 Isaac Collins had two hits and two RBIs and the Kansas City Royals used a five-run outburst in the fourth inning to beat the Los Angeles Angels 5-3 on Friday night. CBS News, 25 Apr. 2026 Before the emotional outbursts at the meeting Thursday, Kinnear-Rausch, Little and Williams all expressed their heartbreak over the death of Jaxon and pledged to fix problems that led to the tragedy. Julia Prodis Sulek, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2026 But, unexpectedly, its film version released that same year became a midnight movie phenom, marked by its impromptu audience outbursts and eventually becoming a counter-culture landmark, widening the generational divide even further. Frank Rizzo, Variety, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for outburst
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outburst
Noun
  • In 1985, an explosion in the basement of a Ross department store—caused by an unventilated buildup of methane gas underneath the store—razed several city blocks and injured twenty-three people.
    Oren Peleg, New Yorker, 9 May 2026
  • In 1992, a buildup of methane gas and coal dust triggered a massive explosion in the Westray Mine in Nova Scotia, Canada, killing 26 coal miners.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026
Noun
  • He should not be deluded by the Phillies’ quick flurry of wins after replacing Rob Thompson as manager with Don Mattingly.
    Bill Madden, New York Daily News, 2 May 2026
  • QuickTake The fire, one of the most destructive in California history, has also led to a flurry of lawsuits against the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Water, the biggest municipal utility in the US.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • Alert 5 means an explosive and life-threatening eruption is underway with deadly volcanic lava and pyroclastic flows and heavy ashfall.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 May 2026
  • Another key element of the look is the flamboyant headpiece that Deacon created in collaboration with the iconic milliner Stephen Jones, which featured an eruption of ostrich and pheasant feathers that had been artfully dyed to echo the shades of Christie’s dress.
    Liam Hess, Vogue, 4 May 2026
Noun
  • An unexpected new burst of infamy arrived in 2011, when the motto appeared at SlutWalk NYC, a feminist protest, on a sign held by a protester—a white woman, as far as anyone could tell.
    Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
  • Each new burst of observation, each refined model, peels back another layer, showing us just how dynamic and surprising the life of a star can be.
    Paul Sutter, Space.com, 3 May 2026
Noun
  • With this in mind, flash photography is banned from the Grandfather Glows events.
    Eva Flowe May 6, Charlotte Observer, 6 May 2026
  • To ensure you don’t miss anything, enable push notifications in order to stay up to date on flash sales and limited-time referral bonuses.
    Jamie Spain, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Outburst.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outburst. Accessed 10 May. 2026.

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