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
Relevance
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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 crackdown—which came amid a shrinking economy, rising costs, tax increases, and Ukrainian drone strikes on the country’s energy sector—led to a rare outburst of public discontent and an equally uncommon acknowledgment of the dissatisfaction from Putin.
—
Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 8 May 2026
At certain peaks, such as Italy’s Stromboli and Etna volcanoes, which regularly spout fountains of lava, scientists can confidently forecast an outburst.
—Quanta Magazine, 8 May 2026
Until then, neighbors will have to deal with the man's outbursts.
—Lauren Pozen, CBS News, 8 May 2026
At 11 years old, after a series of violent outbursts, she was diagnosed with schizophrenia.
—Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for outburst
Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 8 May 2026
At certain peaks, such as Italy’s Stromboli and Etna volcanoes, which regularly spout fountains of lava, scientists can confidently forecast an outburst.
—Quanta Magazine, 8 May 2026
Until then, neighbors will have to deal with the man's outbursts.
—Lauren Pozen, CBS News, 8 May 2026
At 11 years old, after a series of violent outbursts, she was diagnosed with schizophrenia.
—Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 6 May 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
-
As tensions escalate there's been a flurry of diplomacy across the globe.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
9 May 2026
-
That kicked off a flurry of activity — starting with those who questioned why this was the first warrant for Duckett after more than three decades on death row.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
The remaining 17 climbers managed to return to their base camp after the eruption and reported their friends missing to the authorities, per CNA.—
Escher Walcott,
PEOPLE,
11 May 2026
-
Both agencies agree there is a chance for additional M flares and maybe even X-class eruptions over the coming days as sunspot regions AR4436 and AR4432 continue to evolve.—
Daisy Dobrijevic,
Space.com,
11 May 2026
Noun
-
Known as the theme park capital of the world, Central Florida bursts with family-friendly fun.—
Lisa A. Beach,
Southern Living,
10 May 2026
-
While most passengers are considerate, late-night returns and early-morning departures can bring bursts of noise outside your door.—
David Nikel,
Forbes.com,
10 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
Cite this Entry
“Outburst.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outburst. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
