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 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 Alice hems and haws at what to wear to the party, while nervously wondering about reuniting with the Lady Greyhounds after Coach Lasso suspended her for an earlier outburst. Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2026 The couple hires Caleb as a lookout and braves his sullen outbursts, learning more about the lonely, angry youth as the murders draw nearer. Siddhant Adlakha, IndieWire, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for outburst
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outburst
Noun
  • Among the most destructive munitions in Western military arsenals, an MK-84 explosion sends metal fragments in every direction for thousands of feet, can rip through metal and thick concrete, and often creates large craters in the earth.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2026
  • The supervisor also will have a say in the county’s defense against a multimillion-dollar lawsuit stemming from the deadly 2025 Esparto fireworks explosion.
    Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 15 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • After a flurry of fall festival activity in Venice and Telluride, the curtain is coming down on another year at TIFF.
    Marlow Stern, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026
  • But a flurry of new contracts in 2026 has two more coaches on par with Reid and another pair knocking at the door of $20 million, based on a half-dozen conversations with those familiar with NFL coaching contracts.
    Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 16 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • But Alex Bregman and the rest of the Cubs’ offensive eruption allowed Imanaga to settle into cruise control, which helped give the Cubs a 12-2 blowout of the Pirates at Wrigley Field.
    Andy Martinez, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026
  • The Geology Agency cautioned that volcanic activity remains elevated and the probability of further eruptions is still high.
    Niniek Karmini, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • That flexibility makes flow batteries particularly relevant to long-duration storage, where systems may need to deliver electricity for several hours rather than simply provide short bursts of backup power.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 12 Sep. 2026
  • Could Civale maybe be used in shorter bursts, meaning he could be used more often?
    Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The Road Ahead While many of us have focused on the flash of AVs, the transportation sector has adopted AI tools to create safer, more efficient streets, intersections and interstates.
    Bryan Mistele, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Dart showed flashes of brilliance as a rookie, demonstrating a playmaking ability possessed only by the best quarterbacks in the league.
    Dan Duggan, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Outburst.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outburst. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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