Burst
Burst verb - To break open or into pieces usually because of internal pressure.
Usage example: the turnover's crust burst when the filling expanded
Explode is a synonym for burst in action topic. In some cases you can use "Explode" instead a verb "Burst", when it comes to topics like grow, explosion, blow up, detonate. popular alternative
Explode
Explode verb - To break open or into pieces usually because of internal pressure.
Usage example: the building was wrecked when a powerful bomb exploded
Burst is a synonym for explode in blow up topic. You can use "Burst" instead the word "Explode" as a verb or a noun, if it concerns topics such as action, grow, explosion, detonate. popular alternative
Mutual synonyms
Common collocations
Both words in one sentence
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Cars won't explode if you smash them or shoot the engine, but will burst into flames and explode if you Attack Its Weak Point.
Source: Video Game / Mafia II - There's also fire barrels that explode into a burst of flame when shot, and fire-elemental grenades to spread the damage across a large area.
Source: Kill It With Fire / Video Games -
Kill It with Fire: The Screamer's Charge Attack is ostensibly a signal flare which not only launches the mooks it hits back ten feet then explode violently, but also causes everyone else in its detonation proximity to burst into flames.
Source: Video Game / Bulletstorm
Cite this Source
Explode and Burst. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/burst/explode
Burst & Explode. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/burst/explode>.
Explode or Burst. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/burst/explode.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "burst" and "explode" have occurred on timeline