Synonyms for Busts:

n.

•failures (noun)
Miscarriages, debacles, Fiascoes, downfalls, failures.
•representations (noun)
Metaphors, casts, images, duplications, miniatures, idols, silhouettes, carvings, replicas, figurines, outlines, Effigies, statues, impressions, pastiches, imitations, approximations, portrayals, snapshots, mock-ups, Facsimiles, Cartoons, models, likenesses, pictures, drawings, Analogies, photographs, illustrations, depictions, Copies, renderings, representations.
•sculptures (noun)
bas-reliefs, bronzes, Cameos, sculptures, mannequins, figures.

v.

•fails (verb)
Flounders, falls, stumbles, flunks, flops, collapses, fails, falters, loses, blunders.

Usage examples for busts

1. These portrait busts all reveal an amazing force and mastery of work. – Italy, the Magic Land by Lilian Whiting

2. Mind the door, Gregg, and see that nobody steps in and busts up my little party. – Ronicky Doone by Max Brand