burst 1 of 3

1
as in to explode
to break open or into pieces usually because of internal pressure the turnover's crust burst when the filling expanded

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2
as in to shatter
to cause to break open or into pieces by or as if by an explosive finally burst the piñata open with one mighty swing of the bat

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3
as in to bulge
to be copiously supplied a young singer/dancer who seems to be bursting with energy and talent

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burst

2 of 3

noun

burst (forth)

3 of 3

verb (2)

as in to erupt
to develop suddenly and violently hives burst forth on the child's arms and face whenever she goes near that plant

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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 burst
Verb
This trade would only make sense for the Phillies if top prospect Andrew Painter bursts onto the scene to begin the year. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025 If Emerson bursts onto the scene to begin the season, there's a chance the Mariners are shopping Crawford at the deadline in order to cut spending and clear a spot for their top prospect. Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025
Noun
The first-run leader, Shiffrin found another burst to finish in a combined time of 1 minute, 45.92 seconds and beat Lena Duerr of Germany by 1.13 seconds. Pat Graham, Denver Post, 27 Mar. 2025 Particularly vivid in those memories are the hijabs — their bright bursts of color, different fabrics, different patterns — worn by her mother and the other aunties of the camp. Courtney Crowder, USA TODAY, 22 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for burst
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burst
Noun
  • Investors are also expecting a flurry of economic data this week.
    Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Most solar cycles have two peaks, so astronomers expect a flurry of sunspots in the sun's northern hemisphere.
    Jamie Carter, Space.com, 24 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Another 1,671 firms reached $2.5 to $4.9 million, up from 506 in 2021. Transportation and warehousing: With the e-commerce explosion sparking demand for last-mile transportation and warehousing, solopreneurs in this space profited.
    Elaine Pofeldt, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • An eruption followed by an explosion was heard Thursday evening as far as Larantuka and Maumere, two cities about 30 to 53 miles from the volcano.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 22 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Since the volcanic eruption, most farmers here are just trying to get back on their feet.
    Colette Davidson, Christian Science Monitor, 28 Mar. 2025
  • The economic loss from a Mount Fuji eruption is estimated to be up to 2.5 trillion yen ($16.6 billion).
    Jack Guy, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The formula seeps deep into pores all over your body to wipe out acne-causing bacteria, stopping active outbursts in their tracks, and keeping future ones at bay.
    Annie Blackman, Allure, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Powell hit a home run down the left field line in her first at-bat of the season, capping a three-run first-inning outburst by the Warriors in an eventual 9-6 nonconference victory.
    Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 19 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • While the Pelicans have struggled most of the season en route to their putrid 18-50 record, Williamson and Murphy have shown flashes of promise as the new star tandem in New Orleans.
    William Guillory, The Athletic, 17 Mar. 2025
  • In a surreal flash, three tumultuous events, joyous, daunting and tragic, came in quick succession.
    Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 17 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • In the past, McDaniels’ offensive prowess has only presented itself in spurts.
    Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 17 Mar. 2025
  • While still able to play at a Pro Bowl level in spurts, making his most recent one in 2024, Bosa’s body has begun to break down on him.
    Dianna Russini, The Athletic, 12 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Russian drone attack sparks massive blazes in Odesa The strike came shortly before Czech Republic President Petr Pavel visited Odesa on Friday morning, meeting with the city’s leaders and officials from other southern regions.
    Illia Novikov, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2025
  • By Thursday, as the red flag warning was active, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue told the Miami Herald the blaze was burning 24,000 acres of brush — with 30% containment.
    Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The strong gusts are expected to continue into early Thursday.
    Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Some of those tornadoes could be powerful, and EF5 tornadoes that can drive gusts of more than 200 mph can't be ruled out, forecasters said.
    John Bacon, USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Burst.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burst. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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