blockbuster

noun

block·​bust·​er ˈbläk-ˌbə-stər 

often attributive

1

: a very large high-explosive bomb

2

: one that is notably expensive, effective, successful, large, or extravagant

3

: one who engages in blockbusting

Synonyms of blockbuster

• success
• hit

Examples of blockbuster in a Sentence

a 900-page blockbuster of a novel

the movie is expected to be the biggest blockbuster of the summer

Recent Examples on the Web

Four back-to-back blockbusters—One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, The China Syndrome, Romancing the Stone, Jewel of the Nile—had proven that. — Michael Douglas, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026

But she’s been excited to see Morton get more global attention this year for her portrayal of Circe in Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster The Odyssey. — Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 8 Oct. 2026

Kojey received the Trailblazer Award following a blockbuster 2026. — Sophie Williams, Billboard, 7 Oct. 2026

Paramount will have one of it most profitable years in more than 15 years, but that’s come more from trimming costs than fielding blockbusters. — Brent Lang, IndieWire, 6 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for blockbuster

• adjuster
• baluster
• combustor
• lackluster
• bluster
• buster
• cluster
• duster
• juster
• luster
• lustre
• maister

Kids Definition

blockbuster

noun

block·​bust·​er ˈbläk-ˌbəs-tər 

: one that is very large, successful, or violent

a blockbuster of a movie