outburst

noun

out·​burst ˈau̇t-ˌbərst How to pronounce outburst (audio)
Synonyms of outburstnext
1
: a violent expression of feeling
an outburst of anger
2
: a surge of activity or growth
… new outbursts of creative power …C. E. Montague
3
: eruption
volcanic outbursts

Examples of outburst in a Sentence

the judge directed the courtroom spectators to refrain from any outbursts when the verdict was read there was a remarkable outburst of work in the office as the visiting VIPs made their tour
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
However, Robbie’s performance keeps Cathy’s childish nature intact with many obsessive outbursts. Ellise Shafer, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026 Fried made sure to credit the Blue Jays, who advanced all the way to the World Series, for their offensive outburst. Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 13 Feb. 2026 For his courtroom outbursts, Davis found Thompson in contempt of court and added a little more than four and a half years to his sentence. Monroe Trombly, Louisville Courier Journal, 10 Feb. 2026 An audience member was removed at one point for outbursts during remarks by commissioner Carrie Prejean, who rejected notions that anti-Zionism equates to antisemitism. Brieanna J. Frank, USA Today, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for outburst

Word History

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of outburst was in 1657

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Outburst.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outburst. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

outburst

noun
out·​burst -ˌbərst How to pronounce outburst (audio)
1
: a sudden violent expression of strong feeling
an outburst of anger
2
: a sudden increase in activity or growth

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