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 Stowers exits with hamstring discomfort The only significant concern to emerge from Miami’s offensive outburst involved Kyle Stowers. Tyler Carmona, Miami Herald, 9 Aug. 2026 The McKinney City Council voted late Wednesday night to approve a site plan for a new mosque after a marathon meeting marked by outbursts and hours of public comment. Trevor Sochocki, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026 His wife, Liz (Evan Rachel Wood), is a sneak preview of Debbie’s future, self-medicating with drugs, alcohol, and wrathful outbursts. Judy Berman, Time, 5 Aug. 2026 Shortly before, O’Hare had kicked out two individuals for outbursts. Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for outburst
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outburst
Noun
  • Deadly fires, often linked to electrical faults or gas cylinder explosions, are common in India where investigators have frequently pointed to safety lapses and inadequate enforcement of fire regulations as contributing to recurring loss of life.
    ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Hugo Weaving’s Frank Harkness, the nefarious birth father of agent River Cartwright (Jack Lowdon), also makes an appearance, and the trailer previews plenty of explosions, shootouts and even hand-to-hand combat.
    Lisa de los Reyes, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • But Sorsby soon was ruled ineligible for gambling on college sports, setting off a flurry of court activity.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Every February, a flurry of posts about racial justice, perfectly timed to Black History Month.
    Afdhel Aziz, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Indonesia, an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, is prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions because of its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire.
    ABC News, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Rayleigh-Taylor instabilities are central to supernova explosions as well as volcanic eruptions and this study will help astronomers and geophysicists alike in predict how energy moves through these systems.
    Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • In little more than a year, Europe’s broadcasting sector has seen a burst of dealmaking that would have looked improbable a decade ago.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The trick is to hold the can 8 to 10 inches away, and spray in short bursts.
    Iman Balagam, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Lime juice, fish sauce, alliums, and a flash of heat from bird’s-eye chile are slightly mellowed with a big dollop of mayo.
    Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Aug. 2026
  • One example of that efficiency in action is the software module flash station, a first for a Ford assembly plant, which ensures vehicles have the latest software prior to module installation.
    Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 13 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Outburst.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outburst. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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