Synonyms of break out

break out 1 of 2

verb

as in to erupt

to develop suddenly and violently

in the wake of news reports of deaths from the flu, panic broke out, and there was a mad rush for flu shots

Synonyms & Similar Words

• erupt
• burst (forth)
• explode
• flare (up)
• blaze (up)
• flame
• swell
• mount
• rocket
• skyrocket
• touch off
• proliferate
• multiply
• wax
• detonate
• mushroom
• snowball
• blow up
• balloon
• burgeon

breakout

2 of 2

noun

ˈbrāk-ˌau̇t 

as in escape

the act or an instance of getting free from danger or confinement

the captives had been planning to stage a breakout at the next change in shift for the guards

Synonyms & Similar Words

• escape
• flight
• break
• rout
• getaway
• bunk
• rescue
• slip
• liberation
• lam
• redemption
• release
• salvation
• deliverance
• jailbreak
• close call
• close shave
• near miss

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• confinement
• imprisonment
• incarceration
• captivity
• retention
• holding
• custody
• risk
• detention
• trouble
• hold
• internment
• hazard
• jeopardy
• immurement
• peril
• imperilment
• endangerment

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of break out

Verb

As the group approached the Palestinian village of Tell, clashes broke out between the settlers and residents of the village. — Abeer Salman, CNN Money, 24 July 2026

Another constituent and her family fled to Delaware after a gang war broke out in Haiti following the assassination of President Jovene Moise in 2021. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026

Noun

A-list actors like Zendaya and Anne Hathaway may line the cast list, but the breakout performance is coming from the large-scale, analog viewing experience beloved by Nolan and his fans. — Alex Harring, CNBC, 25 July 2026

The division is littered with elite fantasy picks, ascending superstars, and exciting breakout candidates worth knowing. — Jonathan Rubin, Charlotte Observer, 24 July 2026