outburst

noun

ˈau̇t-ˌbərst How to pronounce outburst (audio)
Definition of outburstnext
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

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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

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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

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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 outburst According to the scientists, following this bright outburst, there was likely an extreme collision between two galaxy clusters. — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 16 Oct. 2026 This incident was not the first time Blair had an outburst on a plane. — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026 The cause of their displeasure has to do with scenes woven throughout that illustrate how Baldwin got his reputation for angry outbursts – confrontations with paparazzi through the years, for instance. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2026 Ebersol was so taken aback by this outburst that he was rendered momentarily speechless. — Blake J. Harris, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for outburst
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outburst
  1. explosion
  2. flurry
  3. eruption
  4. burst
  5. flash
Noun
  • Using the Gemini North telescope, Caiazzo and colleagues zoomed in on Pa 30, discovering knots along the strands of gas radiating out from the site of the cosmic explosion, like pearls on a string.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The explosion was set off in front of the local branch of Colombia's tax collection agency near the Francisco de Paula de Santander International bridge.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of explosion
Noun
  • The interview in The Bookman had inaugurated what turned into a flurry of correspondence with his old clerk in the spring of 1892.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Despite a flurry of beauty M&A activity in 2025 — a record 384 deals globally, to be specific — average deal value is on the decline.
    — Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of flurry
Noun
  • Such a cloud is typically linked to an eruption of heavy elements—those created during a neutron star collision and its resulting kilonova.
    — Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The night that inspired Gothic literature In 1815, a volcanic eruption in Indonesia released a massive cloud of ash and particulates, large enough to affect global weather.
    — Maria Papadouris, JSTOR Daily, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of eruption
Noun
  • Berg, working with DP Jacques Jouffret, favors close shots that force us to experience battle much like our heroes do, as confusing, terrifying bursts of mayhem.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The heaviness comes from the fact that the artist died in April, at age forty-six, but it’s also embedded in the paintings on view—in the bursts of fire and swirling floods that mark them.
    — Dan Stahl, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of burst
Noun
  • Deep greens sit against warm ochre walls, punctuated by flashes of glossy, nail-varnish-red lacquer.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
  • This project would fund the installation of rapid rectangular rapid flash beacons (RRFB) on Argyle east of the River to increase driver awareness of crossing pedestrians and improve pedestrian safety at this intersection near the park trial.
    — Sabrina Franza, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of flash

Browse Nearby Words

outbreaks
outburst
outbursts
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Cite this Entry

“Outburst.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outburst. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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