1
as in blow
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 disaster
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 arrest
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 spree
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 to reduce
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 to bankrupt
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 to disrupt
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 to hit
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 to arrest
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 to wear
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
variants
or busted
as in bankrupt
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of bust
Dory Zayas, Glamour, 11 Aug. 2025
The flattering wrap twist over the bust nips in at the waist, flowing gently over the tummy area, delivering smooth coverage without sacrificing shape.
—Jené Luciani Sena
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2025
Edward Segarra, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2025
Reeve was able to rebuild a championship-level contender around Collier, an MVP contender this season, and a group of veteran players who aren’t likely to someday have busts next to Maya Moore, Sylvia Fowles, Seimone Augustus and Lindsay Whalen.
—Matthew Coller, Twin Cities, 13 Sep. 2025
Emily Forlini, PC Magazine, 4 Sep. 2025
Anyway, Agnes gets busted and shoved in a cell to be a snack for later.
—Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bust
Noun
The top is incredibly stretchy and would accommodate a variety of bust sizes.
—Dory Zayas, Glamour, 11 Aug. 2025
The flattering wrap twist over the bust nips in at the waist, flowing gently over the tummy area, delivering smooth coverage without sacrificing shape.
—Jené Luciani Sena
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2025
Verb
But the night wasn't a total bust.
—Edward Segarra, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2025
Reeve was able to rebuild a championship-level contender around Collier, an MVP contender this season, and a group of veteran players who aren’t likely to someday have busts next to Maya Moore, Sylvia Fowles, Seimone Augustus and Lindsay Whalen.
—Matthew Coller, Twin Cities, 13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
However, an Ultra 3 with some wrist-busting dimensions is reportedly in the works for this year.
—Emily Forlini, PC Magazine, 4 Sep. 2025
Anyway, Agnes gets busted and shoved in a cell to be a snack for later.
—Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bust
Noun
-
The Eagles’ defense forced an interception on the next series before another Central turnover led to the knockout blow.—
Matt Roy,
Boston Herald,
20 Sep. 2025
-
Many buyers aren’t likely to immediately face that price tag since carriers typically offer trade-in deals and payment plans to soften the blow.—
Lisa Eadicicco,
CNN Money,
19 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
This includes adding redundancy to vital systems, segmenting networks so that a compromise in one area does not spread unchecked, and developing explicit incident response processes that incorporate both cyber and physical disaster management.—
Chuck Brooks,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
-
Last year alone, disasters costing $11 billion hit Florida, according to data from the National Centers for Environmental Information, with a total cost between $300 billion and $450 billion from 1980 to 2024.—
Giulia Carbonaro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Just this morning, DHS took violent offenders off the streets with arrests for assault, DUI, and felony stalking.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
-
That led to additional arrests, all while ICE was opening additional immigrant detention sites in Florida, Indiana, Nebraska, Louisiana, and Tennessee.—
Anna Giaritelli,
The Washington Examiner,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
At least 15 users joined Gendron’s server shortly before the supermarket shooting spree, a source with knowledge of Discord’s internal investigation told CNN.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
18 Sep. 2025
-
Prosecutors had argued that the brothers were seeking their parents' multimillion-dollar fortune and highlighted their lavish spending spree shortly after the murders.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The researchers believe that the benefit likely comes from aspirin acting in several ways – by reducing inflammation and inhibiting platelet function and tumor growth.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
18 Sep. 2025
-
In 2016, court filings indicate Gamez Lira was charged with possession of marijuana but ultimately pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct after the charges were reduced.—
Armando Garcia,
ABC News,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
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See video … WATCH TOM HOMAN – With a secure border, the US is bankrupting cartels.—
,
FOXNews.com,
4 Sep. 2025
-
Multiple rocket explosions nearly bankrupted the company.—
Joel Shulman,
Forbes.com,
29 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Additionally, pollution accumulation and vessel noise disrupt their echolocation abilities, making hunting increasingly difficult.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Free of sulfates, fragrances, and dyes, the Gentle Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner won’t disrupt your scalp’s barrier.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The jeans also have a cropped length that hits right at the ankle and patch pockets that not only look cute, but are also functional.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Denholm is giving interviews to explain the board’s decision to award Musk a pay package that could be worth $1 trillion if the company hits milestones for market capitalization, profits, and vehicle production.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bust. Accessed 23 Sep. 2025.
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