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 opening 45-minute outburst was the third time in MLS that LAFC (5-0-1, 16 points) scored a handful of goals in a half. Josh Gross, Daily News, 5 Apr. 2026 Earlier this year, West apologized for his past controversial statements and antisemitic outbursts in a full-page Wall Street Journal ad, but hasn’t commented publicly. Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 5 Apr. 2026 Saturday, Auriemma issued a public apology about his behavior after his angry outburst following UConn’s 62-48 loss to South Carolina triggered an outcry from the women’s basketball world and sports world in general. Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 5 Apr. 2026 Ye has attributed his outbursts to manic episodes due to bipolar disorder. Neda Ulaby, NPR, 5 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for outburst
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outburst
Noun
  • According to the documents, Chee paid his other employees in cash — including those who later died in the explosion.
    Joe Rubin, Sacbee.com, 10 Apr. 2026
  • The warmth that is the CinemaScope explosion of every emotion all at once.
    Courtney Crowder, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Pritchard dissected Milwaukee’s defense at all three levels during that flurry, converting two layups, two 3-pointers and one nine-foot fadeaway.
    Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Blanche’s statement comes amid a flurry of speculation that Epstein worked for the CIA or another intelligence agency.
    Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 4 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The eruption of an Icelandic volcano kept some artists from getting to the festival, including The Cribs and Frightened Rabbit.
    Vanessa Franko, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Home to the volcanic eruptions that have been hitting headlines since 2023, the country’s geothermal power is on full display.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Each pea is a miraculous burst of freshness that can stand up to assertive flavors.
    Nina Moskowitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 Apr. 2026
  • By using bursts of infrared light—rather than microwaves—from a laser to encode data, these systems can move far more information than traditional systems and can often do so with a smaller and lighter device.
    Adam Bluestein, Scientific American, 5 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Signaling growth worries, HSBC flash Purchasing Managers' Index compiled by S&P Global showed that India's private sector activity in March slowed to its lowest level since October 2022.
    Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Witnesses reported seeing snipers positioned on rooftops in the area and hearing multiple flash bangs, along with commands from deputies ordering the suspect to come out.
    Richard Ramos, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Outburst.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outburst. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.

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