burst 1 of 2

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 2

noun

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
Her solo exhibition, KEEP YOUR WONDER MOVING, currently on view at Sean Kelly, Los Angeles through March 8, presents eleven abstract oil paintings bursting with color and layered meaning. Okla Jones, Essence, 20 Feb. 2025 Of course, on this sunny Sunday about a month ago, there was no flying gravel, no bursting tires or broken axles, and certainly nobody exceeding the 30 mph speed limit. Eric Duvall, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2025
Noun
This is followed by a solar eclipse in Aries (March 29), bringing a burst of creative energy while presenting you with a chance to set new intentions around your approach to education and relaying messages, whether traditionally or creatively. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 1 Mar. 2025 This plant-forward mocktail offers a tremendous burst of flavor with plenty of mint and lime. La Dunn, Flow Space, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for burst
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burst
Verb
  • Even today, gangsta and drill rappers make headlines right here in Chicago when their music explodes into rivalries and retaliatory murders.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Then people start getting killed: a fatal injection in the shower, someone who gets shot and falls into an exploding brickhouse of fireworks, and plenty of knives out.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 8 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • As the two vehicles collided, there was a loud boom; their windshields shattered, and the scene was engulfed in smoke.
    Stephania Taladrid, The New Yorker, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Recent events have shattered her image as a role model—a persona that has long been disputed by some of her co-stars.
    Louis Staples, Rolling Stone, 26 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Early foldable phones bulged out of my pant pockets, and looked chunky in the hand.
    Ben Sin, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2024
  • On the field, Orozco was successful in her first season before missing last year due to the aforementioned bulging disc.
    Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 17 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • After a flurry of offense, Paul taunted Canada and was mauled by Priest because of it.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
  • But beyond a flurry of appointments of crypto-friendly officials when Trump took office, there has been little concrete news around that policy for investors.
    Rae Wee and Brigid Riley, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Plans for the upcoming flight test, which SpaceX CEO Elon Musk announced this week, come a little more than a month since the last Starship launch ended in an explosion minutes after lifting off from Starbase in South Texas.
    Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Given the explosion of WNBA collectibles — a Caitlin Clark rookie card sold for $234,850 back in December, or roughly the current max salary a WNBA player can earn under the current CBA — this is some extremely high-value territory.
    Howard Megdal, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • While such an eruption of fires is rare, Wood, the South Carolina Forestry Commission spokesperson, told NBC affiliate WCBD of Charleston over the weekend that the region is in peak fire season weather.
    Dennis Romero, NBC News, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Instead, based on observations of more recent eruptions, an extremely hot ash cloud that dissipated quickly could have created the conditions necessary for the vitrification of human brain tissue to occur, the study concluded.
    Katie Hunt, CNN, 27 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Fireworks, gas tanks and camping fuel in the truck's bed are believed to have been detonated using a device operated by the driver.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Meanwhile, an explosive device that did not detonate was discovered on a fourth bus, police said.
    Mohammed Tawfeeq, CNN, 20 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • And being choked at the age of 80 while your face is being smashed into the ground?
    Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Her shop’s front glass door was smashed and her point of sale system, electronics and some merchandise were taken.
    Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 5 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Burst.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burst. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

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