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
Buying spree in 2008 During the 2008 financial crisis, Buffett managed to swoop in and struck some of his most famous deals as the mortgage bubble burst and roiled financial markets. Yun Li, CNBC, 13 Apr. 2025 Coyle gave Colorado numbers by joining a two-on-two rush, bursting down the right wing to receive the puck and snipe it past a sliding Dostál. Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 13 Apr. 2025
Noun
The iconic Knoll Womb chair also comes in a cozy settee that adds a burst of personality to any room. Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 16 Apr. 2025 The short burst higher also does not mean another downturn for stocks is imminent. Jesse Pound, CNBC, 16 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for burst
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burst
Noun
  • Grapevine has a flurry of talent including junior catcher Gianni Corral, an uncommitted recruit who was previously committed to Texas A&M. Outfielder Zachary Goldstein, also a junior, is a scrappy speedster with a knack for getting on base.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Apr. 2025
  • All in all, that was a good response by the Razorbacks to the Aggies' early flurry of runs.
    Matt Jones, Arkansas Online, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Martin's son Gabe, hiding alone under a blanket, said the explosion left his ears ringing and smelled like burning batteries.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
  • The explosion of laws meant to protect minors from potentially harmful online content perhaps sounds noble at first glance, but with a second pass the laws read as superfluous.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Volcanic eruptions in the Massif Central gave birth to the granite rocks of the northern Rhône, while layers upon layers of calcareous marine deposits in the south gave rise to prominent sandstone formations.
    Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 18 Apr. 2025
  • In 2021, La Palma was stuck by a volcanic eruption that displaced thousands of people and reshaped parts of the island.
    Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Nothing but quick and shocking outbursts of violence can pierce the movie’s surfaces of overheated restraint.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025
  • But Al-Sheikh has also drawn attention for a succession of public outbursts, many over issues that appear petty.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • As severe thunderstorms and rain hit much of the central part of the United States, flash flooding threatened parts of Texas and Oklahoma and areas along the Mississippi River.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
  • The attack kept residents on edge for about 11 hours, with many staying awake all night while loud explosions reverberated around the city and flashes of light punctuated the sky.
    Vasilisa Stepanenko and Samya Kullab, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Leonard continued the pivotal spurt immediately after intermission, as the visitors scored the half’s first six points to extend their run to 17-3. Despite holding the lead throughout the second half, the Clippers never led by more than 10 points.
    Staff and news service reports, Oc Register, 12 Apr. 2025
  • After the Celtics scored the first six points of the fourth quarter to pull within four points, the Heat put the game away with a 20-9 spurt to increase its lead to 15 with 5:04 to play and force a Celtics timeout.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • According to an April 21 Facebook post from the West Springfield Fire Department in Massachusetts, firefighters responding to a car fire discovered a surprise near the scene of the blaze.
    Kelli Bender, People.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Many koalas endured injuries, burns and smoke inhalation in the blaze, which burned approximately 5,436 acres, according to government officials.
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Residents may experience wind gusts of up to 40 mph.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The storms are foreseen to bring wind gusts of up to 40 mph and marble-sized hail (0.5 inches).
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 24 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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