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 During the 1990s, mafia-style killings of public figures were a common occurrence in Bulgaria, but the latest outburst of violence has shocked the country, amid a heated campaign for presidential elections next month. — ABC News, 30 Sep. 2026 Behavioral therapies, which are standard in foster care settings, use punishments and rewards to get children to control outbursts, anger and other problematic behaviors. — Joseph Shapiro, NPR, 30 Sep. 2026 But her mental instability was becoming increasingly apparent, leading to outbursts at work and home. — Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 21 Sep. 2026 The Bears’ historic 59-point Week 1 outburst means the public is likely to pour money into the over, so this is a great spot to zig when the betting public zags. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 17 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for outburst
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outburst
Noun
  • Hastert’s tenure was marked by a shift of power from committee chairmen to GOP leaders, fealty to the Bush administration and an explosion of congressional pet projects known as earmarks.
    — Michael Tarm, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
  • The explosion caused an artificial radiation belt that destroyed several satellites and partially knocked out street lights and phone lines in Hawaii.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The turns came in a flurry as each of Green, Levine, and Clarkson had two spots to fill, and Latifah had one to give.
    — Lars Brandle, Billboard, 7 Oct. 2026
  • This bold flurry is a stark contrast with Democratic leaders, who would like to start really shaping their agenda … after the midterm elections.
    — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • If the incoming eruptions interact favorably with Earth's magnetic field, auroras could potentially reach much farther south than currently anticipated.
    — Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The scientists ruled out a 2016 volcanic eruption as the cause, given the downward trend had started several years before and has maintained a steady pace across the years.
    — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The laser accelerated electrons through a gas, directing them into a solid target to create light bursts that generated muon pairs.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2026
  • In bursts of bright stanzas, Chen Chen transports us through the landscape of his childhood into his early twenties.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The disembodied emcee voice for the performance only asks that flash not be used, and that any photography or videography not disturb surrounding attendees.
    — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Tropical storms Arthur and Edouard didn’t last long, but heavy rain from both resulted in significant flash flooding and water rescues near the Gulf Coast.
    — Chris Dolce, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Outburst.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outburst. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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