bust
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for bust, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To break something, especially by force.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use bust
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
The verb comes from a Middle English variant of "burst," so bust and burst are historically the same word. The noun meaning "head-and-shoulders sculpture" or "chest measurement" comes from a separate root, French buste.
Full origin of bust →Frequently asked questions
What does “bust” mean?
The word “bust” means to break something, especially by force. In plain terms, break something, get caught/arrested, or (as a noun) a sculpture of someone's upper body — or, informally, having no money left.
How do you pronounce “bust”?
“Bust” is pronounced buhst (/bʌst/ in IPA).
How do you use “bust” in a sentence?
Here is “bust” used in a sentence: “He busted the lock trying to get into the shed.”
What part of speech is “bust”?
Depending on how it is used, “bust” can be a verb, a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “bust” come from?
The word “bust” comes from French. The verb comes from a Middle English variant of "burst," so bust and burst are historically the same word. The noun meaning "head-and-shoulders sculpture" or "chest measurement" comes from a separate root, French buste.
Is “bust” a common word?
“Bust” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “bust” have?
“Bust” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to break something, especially by force.
What is the difference between bust and burst?
Burst is the standard verb for breaking open or apart suddenly, as in "the pipe burst." Bust is an informal alternative meaning to break something, especially by force. In formal writing, choose burst or break; bust suits casual speech.
Is bust a polite word for a woman's chest?
Yes. In that sense, bust is the neutral, polite term, used especially in dressmaking and clothing sizes for the measurement around a woman's chest. This contrasts with the verb senses of bust — to break or to catch someone — which are informal.
Is the past tense of bust "busted" or "bust"?
Both forms are used. American English generally prefers busted, as in "he busted the lock," while British English often uses bust, as in "the washing machine is bust." Busted is the safer choice in most writing.