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 According to the scientists, following this bright outburst, there was likely an extreme collision between two galaxy clusters. — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 16 Oct. 2026 This incident was not the first time Blair had an outburst on a plane. — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026 The cause of their displeasure has to do with scenes woven throughout that illustrate how Baldwin got his reputation for angry outbursts – confrontations with paparazzi through the years, for instance. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2026 Ebersol was so taken aback by this outburst that he was rendered momentarily speechless. — Blake J. Harris, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for outburst
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outburst
Noun
  • In the 1960s America launched the Vela fleet of satellites, whose sole task was to look at Earth’s surface and search for any telltale neutrons, x-rays and gamma rays—extremely high-energy particles—coming from a nuclear explosion.
    — Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Most of these fragments were generated by explosions and orbital collisions that shattered satellites and used rocket stages into clouds of dangerous debris.
    — Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 20 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The interview in The Bookman had inaugurated what turned into a flurry of correspondence with his old clerk in the spring of 1892.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Despite a flurry of beauty M&A activity in 2025 — a record 384 deals globally, to be specific — average deal value is on the decline.
    — Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Such a cloud is typically linked to an eruption of heavy elements—those created during a neutron star collision and its resulting kilonova.
    — Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The night that inspired Gothic literature In 1815, a volcanic eruption in Indonesia released a massive cloud of ash and particulates, large enough to affect global weather.
    — Maria Papadouris, JSTOR Daily, 20 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Shuting Qiu’s lineup of vivid patterns and billowing silhouettes offered a burst of color and optimism to the city.
    — Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Even during historically warm winters, intense cold snaps, lake-effect bursts, and major individual snowstorms remain entirely possible.
    — Ahmad Bajjey, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • But the 25-year-old, after a brief call-up in May, showed flashes of brilliance at the plate and on the field during his 38 games with the Braves before being sent back to Triple-A for the remainder of the season.
    — Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The director said that while above average precipitation in the south could bring relief to drought, too much precipitation can cause flash flooding and mudslides.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Outburst.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outburst. Accessed 23 Oct. 2026.

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