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 That’s been so even taking into account his ongoing outburst of 10 points in 10 games. Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 18 Jan. 2026 In the present day, Muck crashes his dinner party with lewd outbursts and runs off with an old friend (Jack Farthing), who is later revealed to be a mirage of his late father. Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 18 Jan. 2026 The outburst allowed the Lady Warriors (12-5, 2-3) to turn a three-point deficit into a 26-15 halftime advantage. Nwa Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 15 Jan. 2026 Madrid decided not to fine Vinicius Jr for his outburst. Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for outburst
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outburst
Noun
  • My research explores how well-meaning, but draconian, efforts to correct the abusive opioid prescription promotion practices of drug companies were followed by a nationwide explosion of overdoses from illicit opioids, again in the absence of equivalent efforts to make opioid treatment available.
    Charles LeBaron, Time, 13 Jan. 2026
  • The company weathered a near-disastrous explosion at its rocket ranch and continued to expand its ambitions.
    Austin American Statesman, Austin American Statesman, 12 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Goldstein and Nguyen’s appointments end a recent flurry of movement in the legislature and in the Westminster-Broomfield area.
    Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 13 Jan. 2026
  • Its sudden appearance at a busy commercial airport sparked a flurry of online speculation.
    Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Following the dramatic discovery, Walker discovers that the long-ago murder is somehow linked to the conspiracy behind the arms dealer and the mysterious volcanic eruption at Crater Lake.
    Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
  • The activity periodically forms a dome over the main vent, which eventually collapses, causing an eruption.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The only constant is Mount Etna, looming off to one side, at times sputtering out smoke, ash, and short bursts of lava.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Jan. 2026
  • And yet, two-thirds into the song’s six-minute lurch, a beaming synth line appears like a biblical burst of light, a plea for sanctuary from perpetual chaos.
    Stuart Berman, Pitchfork, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • His flash and explosiveness warrant a first-round selection, but a team will have to form a plan on how to consistently get his best over the course of a 17-game season.
    Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Jan. 2026
  • However, the single mom of two saw her livelihood flash before her eyes when she was laid off after the company stopped production.
    Essence, Essence, 14 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Outburst.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outburst. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.

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