1
as in blows
a hard strike with a part of the body or an instrument
delivered a bust to the boxer's chops
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in disasters
something that has failed
the first movie was a hit, but the sequel was an unexpected bust
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in arrests
slang
the act of taking or holding under one's control by authority of law
those lowlifes were nabbed for drug dealing in a massive bust last month
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in sprees
a bout of prolonged or excessive drinking
a bunch of underage kids having a beer bust while the parents were away for the weekend
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in reduces
to bring to a lower grade or rank
the commander threatened to bust her for failing to salute
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in bankrupts
to cause to lose one's fortune and become unable to pay one's debts
gambling is a dangerous habit that has busted many unfortunate souls
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in disrupts
to cause to separate into pieces usually suddenly or forcibly
the butterfingered husband had busted more plates than he cared to remember
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in hits
to deliver a blow to (someone or something) usually in a strong vigorous manner
busted the storekeeper on the nose and was promptly arrested for it
Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in seizes
slang
to take or keep under one's control by authority of law
the cops busted the revelers for drinking in public
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in wears
to use up all the physical energy of
I had to bust my butt in order to get the project done on time
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of busts
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
Continue reading … DOUBLE ENFORCEMENT — ICE busts MS-13 gang member and child predators while helping TSA out.
—FOXNews.com, 31 Mar. 2026
The announcement by Foley’s office comes amid a series of SNAP and public benefits fraud busts across the state.
—Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 27 Mar. 2026
But this brother comes into town and just busts you on all of your reinvention.
—Brande Victorian, HollywoodReporter, 23 Mar. 2026
For the Hall of Fame section, the museum celebrates 49ers legends with busts, stories, and artifacts tied to specific players.
—Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 17 Mar. 2026
Stutz also created the two 8-foot-tall busts of a police officer and a firefighter that stand outside the Carlsbad Safety Training Center.
—Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026
Lingerie brands like Skims, Thirdlove, and Aerie make them in a variety of styles—triangle, scoopneck, longline, T-shirt—with features like adjustable straps, removable cups that add shape to small busts, and wide under-bust bands that support larger boobs.
—Malia Griggs, Glamour, 13 Mar. 2026
Rosi’s artistry grasps the limitations of being a long-term guest, visually juxtaposing the ancient and elemental, busts and people.
—Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 20 Mar. 2026
Suddenly, Jamie busts through the house to Claire’s (Caitriona Balfe) surgical room and gently places Amy on the table.
—Lincee Ray, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Mar. 2026
Bianca busts them despite Luc’s best efforts.
—Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 18 Dec. 2025
This is the kind of guy who kicks down a door and busts somebody’s kidney with a crowbar.
—Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 1 Oct. 2025
Rather than rushing the decision, Jere heads into the office to a shockingly chummy Steven (Sean Kaufman) and Denise (Isabella Briggs), who busts his chops about the wedding’s yacht formal dress code.
—Sara Netzley, EW.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Amanda Rollins busts a move to the theme song below.
—Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 8 Aug. 2025
Bad Bunny busts records for fun.
—Lars Brandle, Billboard, 3 Sep. 2019
Noun
The ceiling is decorated with representations of Italian coins from the Etruscans to the early 20th century, the floor consists of colorful geometric mosaics, and gazing down on the scene are busts of various iconic Italian figures, from Marco Polo to Alessandro Volta.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
Continue reading … DOUBLE ENFORCEMENT — ICE busts MS-13 gang member and child predators while helping TSA out.
—FOXNews.com, 31 Mar. 2026
The announcement by Foley’s office comes amid a series of SNAP and public benefits fraud busts across the state.
—Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 27 Mar. 2026
But this brother comes into town and just busts you on all of your reinvention.
—Brande Victorian, HollywoodReporter, 23 Mar. 2026
For the Hall of Fame section, the museum celebrates 49ers legends with busts, stories, and artifacts tied to specific players.
—Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 17 Mar. 2026
Stutz also created the two 8-foot-tall busts of a police officer and a firefighter that stand outside the Carlsbad Safety Training Center.
—Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026
Lingerie brands like Skims, Thirdlove, and Aerie make them in a variety of styles—triangle, scoopneck, longline, T-shirt—with features like adjustable straps, removable cups that add shape to small busts, and wide under-bust bands that support larger boobs.
—Malia Griggs, Glamour, 13 Mar. 2026
Rosi’s artistry grasps the limitations of being a long-term guest, visually juxtaposing the ancient and elemental, busts and people.
—Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
Verb
Who doesn’t get fired up when the coach busts a move, right?
—Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 20 Mar. 2026
Suddenly, Jamie busts through the house to Claire’s (Caitriona Balfe) surgical room and gently places Amy on the table.
—Lincee Ray, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Mar. 2026
Bianca busts them despite Luc’s best efforts.
—Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 18 Dec. 2025
This is the kind of guy who kicks down a door and busts somebody’s kidney with a crowbar.
—Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 1 Oct. 2025
Rather than rushing the decision, Jere heads into the office to a shockingly chummy Steven (Sean Kaufman) and Denise (Isabella Briggs), who busts his chops about the wedding’s yacht formal dress code.
—Sara Netzley, EW.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Amanda Rollins busts a move to the theme song below.
—Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 8 Aug. 2025
Bad Bunny busts records for fun.
—Lars Brandle, Billboard, 3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for busts
Noun
-
Shesterkin’s first thought was about how big the 6-foot-6 Markström was, but the smaller goalie still managed to land the majority of the blows.—
Peter Baugh,
New York Times,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Parks turned into deserts, great skyscrapers leveled by blows from the tails of the monsters, and the entire population threatened in the panic and pestilence that followed the invasion.—
Rick Kogan,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The country observed three days of national mourning for one of the worst air disasters recorded in recent memory.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 Mar. 2026
-
The importance of speed Among the many lessons drawn from these disasters was that speed is the coin of the realm.—
Sheena Samu,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Police officers were seen de-escalating the situation, as no arrests were made, according to the Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Network.—
Sarah D. Wire,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2026
-
The arrests triggered the anger of Oli’s supporters, and hundreds gathered near the prime minister’s office later Saturday to protest and demand that Oli be immediately released from custody.—
Binaj Gurubacharya,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
In general, her scoring sprees feel more sustainable and less like streaky bursts of shooting.—
Caleb Yum,
Austin American Statesman,
26 Feb. 2026
-
So far, federal prosecutors in Minnesota have convicted 62 people in connection to the scandal, which tops the list of the nation's most costly COVID-era fraud sprees.—
Jonah Kaplan,
CBS News,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
By banning advertising by legal operators during live sporting events and sharply limiting promotions, the proposal drastically reduces the visibility of the regulated market.—
Cláudia Nunes,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Technologies such as Revo-Su, which significantly reduces water consumption, and B210, which enables biodegradability in stretch fabrics, are direct outcomes of this focus.—
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
However, Wisconsin gas prices are currently about 60 cents higher than the same time last year as the war with Iran disrupts the global oil supply.—
Maia Pandey,
jsonline.com,
31 Mar. 2026
-
What to Skip Alcohol feels relaxing but disrupts deep sleep and melatonin production.—
Allison Palmer,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
On a day when balls were not leaving the yard and hits to the warning track were rare, the Cubs still thrived.—
Jeff Vorva,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Trash truck hits a resident’s vehicle – $47,000 The Board of Estimates approved a $47,000 settlement for Donald Stepp after a Department of Public Works trash truck struck his vehicle on Dundalk Avenue in February 2023.—
Chevall Pryce,
Baltimore Sun,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Earnest and intersectional, the spoken word artist’s debut solo album seizes upon the power of club music to preach about gender equality, personal transformation, and communal uplift.—
Jesse Dorris,
Pitchfork,
25 Mar. 2026
-
So, when Ozzie (Kyle Bary), a former child star, finds himself in a heap of trouble, Jax seizes the opportunity to spice up her daily routine.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
19 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Busts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/busts. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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