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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of break off
Starz shares are pushing $17 bucks since breaking off to trade under the stock symbol STRZ.
—
Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 22 May 2025
The Cubs broke off to start Marquee in 2020, and the remaining teams went on to form CHSN.
—Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2025
Over the next eight years, August added three more Midas shops, then broke off with the franchiser in a dispute over what services would be offered.
—Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 3 June 2025
Venezuela broke off relations with Argentina on July 29th, the day after the presidential election, primarily due to disagreements over its outcome.
—Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for break off
Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 22 May 2025
The Cubs broke off to start Marquee in 2020, and the remaining teams went on to form CHSN.
—Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2025
Over the next eight years, August added three more Midas shops, then broke off with the franchiser in a dispute over what services would be offered.
—Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 3 June 2025
Venezuela broke off relations with Argentina on July 29th, the day after the presidential election, primarily due to disagreements over its outcome.
—Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for break off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for break off
Verb
-
Paul Goldschmidt had one of just three Yankees hits in Saturday’s 7-0 loss to the A’s, but that didn’t stop him from sharing some self-depreciation after the game.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
29 June 2025
-
Trying to stop the runaway, Jeff was knocked to the concrete and sustained a fractured skull and other life-threatening injuries that left him in a coma for weeks.—
Neil Milbert,
Chicago Tribune,
29 June 2025
Verb
-
After a logistical snafu ends their initial meeting about Agnes’ thesis, Decker makes the casual suggestion that the makeup session be at his house near campus.—
Paul A. Thompson,
Pitchfork,
27 June 2025
-
Despite stocks dipping slightly after President Donald Trump's announcement that the U.S. would end all trade talks with Canada, the S&P 500 recovered to close at a record high -- 6,173.—
Max Zahn,
ABC News,
27 June 2025
Verb
-
Seven of the health facilities that Save the Children had supported in the region have fully closed, and 20 more have partly ceased operations.—
Charlie Warzel,
The Atlantic,
24 June 2025
-
Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei himself is thought to be operating from an underground bunker and has ceased communicating electronically, delaying his ability to guide the rest of the regime’s leaders.—
Dana Stroul,
Foreign Affairs,
23 June 2025
Verb
-
Messi left at the end of that season, his contract allowed to expire, while Neymar also departed.—
Patrick Boyland,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
-
But that’s because in the TCJA, many of the tax benefits for individuals were set to expire at the end of 2025, while the corporate tax breaks were largely permanent.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
Verb
-
Burroughs temporarily had halted the government’s action hours after Harvard sued.—
Sara Braun,
Fortune,
21 June 2025
-
JetBlue Airways will halt service at Miami International Airport, the airline said on Saturday.—
Vinod Sreeharsha,
Miami Herald,
21 June 2025
Verb
-
What’s next: The Royals conclude their weekend series against the Padres on Sunday afternoon.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
22 June 2025
-
In the study, scientists concluded further adaptation and the potential expansion of cropland may be needed to ensure food security and mitigate climate impacts.—
Doyle Rice,
USA Today,
21 June 2025
Verb
-
Then, Randi Weingarten, the influential leader of the American Federation of Teachers, and Lee Saunders, president of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, both quit the DNC over their disagreement with Martin’s leadership.—
Mabinty Quarshie,
The Washington Examiner,
21 June 2025
-
The singer-songwriter has also said that the album was informed by her experiences with disordered eating, quitting birth control and breaking off a longterm relationship.—
Tyler Jenke,
Billboard,
20 June 2025
Verb
-
Iran may retaliate against U.S. forces in the region, cut off a global oil supply route or try to accelerate its nuclear program.—
Jasmine Laws,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 June 2025
-
When opponents control the midfield, press high and cut off those vertical routes, Iceland struggles to progress the ball or retain meaningful possession.—
Asli Pelit,
New York Times,
22 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Break off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/break%20off. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share