Find Synonyms

busted Synonyms

Another word for busted

Choosing another word for busted depends on context, so the 41 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 5 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
JUMP TO:

• adjective (Context 1)

Caught in the act of doing something wrong, forbidden, or illegal; arrested by the police (slang).

Usage Example

"The teenagers knew they were caught as soon as the principal walked into the hallway."

Strongest
caught
nabbed
Strong
collared
arrested
pinched
nicked
found out
apprehended
red-handed

• adjective (Context 2)

Broken, damaged, or in poor working order (informal).

Usage Example

"We had to take the stairs because the elevator was broken."

Strongest
broken
out of order
kaput
damaged
Strong
broken-down
shot
inoperative
wrecked
defective
smashed

• interjection (Context 3)

Used to playfully or triumphantly announce that someone has been caught in the act of wrongdoing or deception (slang).

Usage Example

"gotcha! I saw you taking the last cookie from the jar."

Strongest
gotcha
Strong
aha

• adjective (Context 4)

Having lost all of one's money; bankrupt or financially ruined (informal).

Usage Example

"After a series of bad investments, the company went completely broke."

Strongest
broke
bankrupt
insolvent
Strong
penniless
cleaned out
ruined
wiped out
skint
destitute
impoverished

• adjective (Context 5)

Physically unattractive, worn-out, or dilapidated in appearance (slang).

Usage Example

"He showed up to the meeting wearing a pair of old, beat-up shoes."

Strongest
beat-up
worn-out
battered
Strong
shabby
dilapidated
ratty
ugly
ragged
scruffy
hideous

Opposites of busted

The opposite of busted shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

working
solvent
pristine
functional
intact
uncaught
brand-new
rich
See all opposites of busted

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Busted. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/busted
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Dictionary & Reference
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.