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 The 36-year-old Hubble is also dropping in orbit because of all the sun's recent outbursts and is expected to reenter the atmosphere in the 2030s if nothing is done. CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026 The outburst against Oman followed reports that the Gulf nation was in talks with Iran to manage the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz. Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 This view has not been heard in the dizzying din of the emotional outburst and fearmongering of the side show and irrelevant conversation about transwomen in sports inexplicably occurring in the context of the WNBA. Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026 Even if fighting does not intensify, will continuing sporadic outbursts blocking shipping through the Strait of Hormuz eventually pass through into a true global recession? Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 16 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for outburst
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outburst
Noun
  • The explosions provide different interruptions, punctuating the moment as one of Keeley’s ideas plays out in real time.
    Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Though the threat of an explosion was mitigated in early June, cleanup didn't begin until the very end of the month.
    Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • However, this flurry of spy satellite development was short-lived.
    Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 26 Aug. 2026
  • But over the next two decades, the singer would reiterate her legacy as an unstoppable force with a flurry of world tours, studio albums, film projects, corporate partnerships, and books.
    Stephen L. Betts, Rolling Stone, 25 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Sonic booms, volcanic eruptions and meteor airbursts can produce similar atmospheric shock waves, potentially creating other natural seismic sources.
    Nolan Roth, Scientific American, 23 Aug. 2026
  • The eruption also generated roughly 360 cubic miles (1,500 cubic kilometers) of pyroclastic-density-current deposits.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 22 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • There’s powerful minerality with a bright burst of delightful acidity in the finish.
    Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Then De’Von Achane had a burst to the right for about 10 yards.
    Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • There, a terrified teenage girl would be filmed fleeing before she was consumed by a blinding flash of light and then found dead, bearing unexplained marks on her body.
    Stacy Perman, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The interruptions imitate the way an old relationship returns to you with a flash of potent sensation.
    Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Outburst.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outburst. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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