1
as in explosion
a sudden intense expression of strong feeling
the judge directed the courtroom spectators to refrain from any outbursts when the verdict was read
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in flurry
a sudden and usually temporary growth of activity
there was a remarkable outburst of work in the office as the visiting VIPs made their tour
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in eruption
the act or an instance of exploding
in the outburst known as a supernova, the star may reach an intrinsic luminosity one billion times that of the sun
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of outburst
In the most complimentary of ways, the Hornets’ first-half outburst wasn’t all that special at all.
—
Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 25 Mar. 2026
Cronin has received his share – more than his share, actually – of negative fan reaction for his frequent outbursts at players.
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 22 Mar. 2026
His 60-point outburst against the Miami Heat last Thursday was the first 60-point game in Lakers history since Kobe Bryant’s last game in 2016.
—Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 2026
After taking control with their offensive outburst, Mara Braun cashed a couple of big shots from long range that forced Green Bay to call a timeout.
—Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for outburst
Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 25 Mar. 2026
Cronin has received his share – more than his share, actually – of negative fan reaction for his frequent outbursts at players.
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 22 Mar. 2026
His 60-point outburst against the Miami Heat last Thursday was the first 60-point game in Lakers history since Kobe Bryant’s last game in 2016.
—Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 2026
After taking control with their offensive outburst, Mara Braun cashed a couple of big shots from long range that forced Green Bay to call a timeout.
—Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for outburst
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outburst
Noun
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Days after the explosion, Amin called his mother in Iran again, with better news.—
Cora Engelbrecht,
New Yorker,
3 Apr. 2026
-
However, an oxygen-tank explosion 56 hours after launch scotched those plans and put the mission into survival mode.—
Mike Wall,
Space.com,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Pritchard dissected Milwaukee’s defense at all three levels during that flurry, converting two layups, two 3-pointers and one nine-foot fadeaway.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
4 Apr. 2026
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Blanche’s statement comes amid a flurry of speculation that Epstein worked for the CIA or another intelligence agency.—
Emily Hallas,
The Washington Examiner,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The last eruption of nationwide gatherings in October drew approximately 7 million people, according to their tally.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
30 Mar. 2026
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Aurora chasers will also be getting excited about the prospect of a possible glancing blow from the speedy CME released during the eruption.—
Daisy Dobrijevic,
Space.com,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
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In that last year — like the end of a fireworks show — the lawyers set off a burst of filings and arguments over what evidence and which experts could go in front of a jury.—
Joe Mahr,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Mar. 2026
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Such districts are often formed when a school district is experiencing a burst of development or enrollment growth concentrated in certain areas, explained Erica Gonzales, a managing director at the investment bank Stifel who specializes in California school financing.—
Jemma Stephenson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
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As Juliet’s father (a stern but measured Clark Gregg) hands servant Peter (Jamie Ankrah) the guest list for that night’s feast, a bright white light flashes and the room goes dark, accompanied by the sound of a power surge.—
Ellise Shafer,
Variety,
1 Apr. 2026
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The main concern with these storms is moderate to heavy rainfall that could lead to minor river flooding and flash flooding, the weather service said.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Outburst.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outburst. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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