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
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1
as in to reduce
to bring to a lower grade or rank
the commander threatened to bust her for failing to salute
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Recent Examples of bust
Cam Inman, Mercury News, 26 Apr. 2026
Two of the four hit, Engram had a mild impact and Greenlaw was a bust.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
Sarah Dadush, Footwear News, 14 Apr. 2026
Los Angeles officials are worried that taxpayers could be on the hook for budget-busting costs to support the 2028 Olympic Games, if the profit promised by LA28 doesn’t materialize.
—Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2026
Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 9 Mar. 2026
Each year, March Madness can leave you with a busted bracket, so give yourself another chance to pick a winner with The Courier Journal's Louisville nachos tournament.
—Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bust
Noun
Time will tell if this goes boom, bust, or to the Super Bowl.
—Cam Inman, Mercury News, 26 Apr. 2026
Two of the four hit, Engram had a mild impact and Greenlaw was a bust.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
If workers organize to push back on lower or unpaid wages, the stage can be set for more repressive measures like union busting.
—Sarah Dadush, Footwear News, 14 Apr. 2026
Los Angeles officials are worried that taxpayers could be on the hook for budget-busting costs to support the 2028 Olympic Games, if the profit promised by LA28 doesn’t materialize.
—Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
Back then, touring on a busted bus was the dream.
—Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 9 Mar. 2026
Each year, March Madness can leave you with a busted bracket, so give yourself another chance to pick a winner with The Courier Journal's Louisville nachos tournament.
—Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bust
Noun
-
Arsenal’s title challenge is back on track, Liverpool have been dealt a potentially season-defining injury blow, and Fantasy Premier League managers now have just four Gameweeks left to make their mark.—
Abdul Rehman,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
The loss of Kidal represents a significant blow to Russia’s credibility in Mali, where the military junta has relied on mercenaries to combat Islamic extremism.—
Wilson Mcmakin,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The Chernobyl disaster is the worst nuclear power plant accident ever in terms of death toll and cost.—
Kurt Snibbe,
Oc Register,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Satellite connectivity can act as a backup during disasters like hurricanes or wildfires.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
He has been held without bond since his arrest on April 22.—
Theresa Braine,
New York Daily News,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Even before his arrest, there were signs that the Emirates was becoming less tolerant toward major criminals.—
Ed Caesar,
New Yorker,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
During the buying spree, the company surpassed BlackRock’s popular Bitcoin ETF in total Bitcoin holdings.—
Jack Kubinec,
Fortune,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Police response and pressure to stop the spree The LAPD has increased patrols, deployed air support and license plate readers, and expanded coordination across units in response to the spike.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Connecticut’s Climate Progress report, required every three years by the state legislature, shows how Connecticut is continuing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Companies are taking steps to reduce their plastic consumption, according to Melissa Bastos, Cotton Incorporated director of corporate strategy and insights.—
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Among its many distinctions, SPLC is known for bankrupting the Ku Klux Klan.—
Clarence Page,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Over the ensuing decades, with its litigation prowess and ample funds from supporters committed to advancing equality, the SPLC went on to bankrupt numerous notorious white supremacist organizations, including the United Klans of America and the Aryan Nations.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The United Nations Development Programme reports that higher energy prices, disrupted food systems, and economic slowdowns triggered by the war could push up to thirty-two million people globally into poverty.—
Sudarsan Raghavan,
New Yorker,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Ahead of them, Joe Willock (white) was in position to defend a short corner and Jacob Murphy (orange) played a hybrid role to help disrupt Gabriel, before protecting the area near the penalty spot and also keeping an eye out for late runners.—
Ahmed Walid,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
And Silva hit a home run, her third, after attempting a bunt on the previous pitch.—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
25 Apr. 2026
-
The Seattle Seahawks have already hit three of their biggest needs in the 2026 NFL Draft, taking Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price on Thursday night in Round 1 and TCU safety Bud Clark and Arkansas cornerback Julian Neal in the second and third rounds on Friday.—
Michael-Shawn Dugar,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bust. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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