Synonyms of outburst

outburst

noun

ˈau̇t-ˌbərst 

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

• explosion
• burst
• eruption
• flash
• gust
• blaze
• paroxysm
• flare
• spasm
• gale
• frenzy
• storm
• agony
• flush
• ebullition
• gush
• flare-up
• fit
• rage
• tantrum
• ecstasy
• rapture
• blowup
• transport
• delirium
• firestorm
• furor
• grouch

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

• flurry
• burst
• outbreak
• spurt
• eruption
• surge
• flare
• flutter
• flicker
• flare-up
• increase
• explosion
• flash
• recurrence
• renewal
• boost
• spree
• recrudescence
• upturn
• paroxysm
• flood
• upswing
• pickup
• commotion
• rush
• volley
• epidemic
• binge
• deluge
• spate
• uproar
• furor
• jag

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• calm
• slump
• doldrums

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

• eruption
• explosion
• firing
• bursting
• detonation
• burst
• blast
• blowup
• shooting
• blowout
• boom
• discharge
• pop
• flare-up
• bang
• airburst
• groundburst

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of outburst

Laurie tried to tiptoe around his emotions, unsure what might trigger an outburst. — Mirin Fader, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

But foreigners have also experienced sporadic outbursts of xenophobic violence. — ABC News, 11 Sep. 2026

If the lighting is controlled, the performances restrained (with room for outbursts, of course), and the score swelling at the right moments, the work will register as important. — Henry Metz, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026

After an outburst, Robinson stopped the chief’s remarks to address the dozens of protesters. — Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 10 Sep. 2026