Synonyms of break off

break off

verb

1

as in to stop

to bring (as an action or operation) to an immediate end

the judge broke off court proceedings until after lunch

Synonyms & Similar Words

• stop
• cease
• end
• halt
• quit
• cut off
• lay off
• knock off
• shut off
• cut out
• leave off
• break up
• desist (from)
• delay
• pack (up or in)
• have done with
• drop
• suspend
• discontinue
• conclude
• give over
• can
• finish
• break
• close (down)
• check
• put the kibosh on
• complete
• hold back
• block
• clamp down
• turn back
• ruin
• pause
• hinder
• dam
• stay
• impede
• rein (in)
• stem
• deactivate
• brake
• obstruct
• detain
• abort
• hold
• blockade
• suppress
• stamp
• arrest
• destroy
• scuttle
• stunt
• squash
• call
• abolish
• squelch
• dissolve
• kill
• demolish
• snuff
• annul
• stanch
• kibosh

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• continue
• run on
• keep up
• carry on
• proceed
• follow through (with)
• advance
• progress
• drive
• stir
• propel
• actuate
• impel

2

as in to end

to come to an end

talks between the two sides broke off when one began making unreasonable demands

Synonyms & Similar Words

• stop
• end
• expire
• conclude
• cease
• halt
• pass
• leave off
• break up
• finish
• wind up
• go
• die
• terminate
• close
• wink (out)
• lapse
• elapse
• determine
• let up
• discontinue
• bite the dust
• stall
• quit
• knock off
• refrain (from)
• desist (from)
• dead-end
• lay off (of)
• break down
• cut out
• pack (up or in)
• wind down
• stay
• pause
• suspend
• give over
• conk (out)
• peter (out)
• abate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• continue
• hang on
• persist
• draw out
• extend
• prolong
• protract

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of break off

The scene where ‘80s teen Marty McFly borrows a scooter from a bewildered ‘50s kid and breaks off the handles to make a skateboard is one of the film’s most iconic moments. —Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2025

Second, the flowing glacier brings more ice forward to replace what breaks off, slowing the cliff’s inland retreat and making a chain reaction of cliff toppling less likely. —Evan Howell, Quanta Magazine, 20 Oct. 2025

On the ensuing drive, Christian Simmons broke off a 32-yard touchdown run. —Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 17 Oct. 2025

As spring approaches and temperatures warm, the sand heats up and blocks of ice break off, sliding and sublimating their way through the Martian sand, according to a statement from Utrecht University. —Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 16 Oct. 2025