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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of break off
The former president was hospitalized on Friday after strong abdominal pains during an event with supporters in northeastern Brazil, forcing him to break off a regional tour aimed at drumming up support ahead of a trial before the Supreme Court.
—
Reuters, CNN Money, 14 Apr. 2025
As garments are laundered and worn, small fiber pieces break off.
—Carved In Blue, Sourcing Journal, 2 Apr. 2025
Today, China has displaced the United States as the primary trading partner for several major economies and persuaded most countries in the region to break off formal ties with Taiwan.
—Matias Spektor, Foreign Affairs, 1 Apr. 2025
But after breaking off explosive runs early in the season, Lyle cemented himself as a key member of the running back rotation.
—Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for break off
Reuters, CNN Money, 14 Apr. 2025
As garments are laundered and worn, small fiber pieces break off.
—Carved In Blue, Sourcing Journal, 2 Apr. 2025
Today, China has displaced the United States as the primary trading partner for several major economies and persuaded most countries in the region to break off formal ties with Taiwan.
—Matias Spektor, Foreign Affairs, 1 Apr. 2025
But after breaking off explosive runs early in the season, Lyle cemented himself as a key member of the running back rotation.
—Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for break off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for break off
Verb
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Commentary: Is Trump's plan for tariff relief for automakers too late to stop global impact?—
Susan Page,
USA Today,
1 May 2025
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The administration has also asked food companies to voluntarily stop using another six dyes—Green No. 3, Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, Blue No. 1, and Blue No. 2—by the end of 2026.—
Jamie Ducharme,
Health,
30 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Major automakers want Congress to bar California's landmark plan to end the sale of gasoline-only vehicles by 2035 that has been adopted by 11 other states, warning the rules could begin impacting vehicle shipments in a few months.—
David Shepardson,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2025
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The Windows 10 Security Blanket Even if Microsoft does stick with its plans to end support in October, Windows 10 users will have the safety net of Extended Support Updates.—
Barry Collins,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
Verb
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That shouldn’t be a surprise because the Packers would rather cease to exist as a franchise than draft an offensive lineman who can’t play at least three.—
Matt Schneidman,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2025
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Without these little guys and their fellow pollinators, our gardens would be devoid of fruit, our flowers would not spread, and many species that rely on them would cease to exist.—
Katie Akin,
Southern Living,
26 Apr. 2025
Verb
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England international Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to leave under freedom of contract once his deal expires in the summer, but Liverpool will have the opportunity to strengthen the weaker areas of their squad while maintaining stability and already having title-winning foundations in place.—
Andy Jones,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2025
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Zhao was on a student visa in Australia, which expired in April 2020, according to reports.—
Escher Walcott,
People.com,
28 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Trump's executive order, which cited Perkins Coie's former representation of Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign, sought to strip security clearances from the firm's lawyers, virtually halting any dealings with the federal government and restricting its attorneys from accessing most federal buildings.—
Alexander Mallin,
ABC News,
3 May 2025
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High costs halted Trump’s push for a parade in his first term, and the tanks and other heavy vehicles that are part of the Army’s latest plans have raised concerns from city officials about damage to roads.—
Lolita C. Baldor,
Los Angeles Times,
2 May 2025
Verb
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Their domestic intelligence agency concluded an investigation into a far-right political party known as AFD.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
4 May 2025
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The episode concluded with Ellie and Dina (Isabela Merced) leaving Jackson, Wyoming, and heading to Seattle against town orders.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
4 May 2025
Verb
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In March 2025, 3.3 million Americans voluntarily quit their jobs.—
Cheryl Robinson,
Forbes.com,
3 May 2025
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But still the Kings would not quit, with Spence scoring two minutes before the second intermission to keep the score close.—
Kevin Baxter,
Los Angeles Times,
2 May 2025
Verb
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Today, the city’s main protection against high tides is the MOSE set of flood barriers that rises from the seabed to cut off the lagoon from the Adriatic during exceptionally high tides.—
Julia Buckley,
CNN Money,
4 May 2025
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In 2024, nurses on horseback delivered aid to Appalachian communities who had been cut off from basic care and services in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.—
Catherine Jessee,
Southern Living,
3 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Break off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/break%20off. Accessed 9 May. 2025.
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