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
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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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of break out
Christa Swanson, CBS News, 28 Feb. 2026
Chants broke out in between remarks.
—Saul Pink, San Antonio Express-News, 28 Feb. 2026
Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 25 Feb. 2026
The actor, still revered as Legolas from his cult breakout role in Lord of the Rings, and to others, Will Turner of the famed Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, has evolved as a genuine connoisseur of luxury since being named a Porsche Design brand ambassador in 2025.
—Taylor Stoddard, Robb Report, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for break out
Verb
Authorities have issued an evacuation warning for homes near a wildfire that broke out in southwest Boulder on Saturday afternoon.
—Christa Swanson, CBS News, 28 Feb. 2026
Chants broke out in between remarks.
—Saul Pink, San Antonio Express-News, 28 Feb. 2026
Noun
Still, its heavy occlusive nature can feel too thick for some people who are prone to breakouts, depending on your preferences.
—Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 25 Feb. 2026
The actor, still revered as Legolas from his cult breakout role in Lord of the Rings, and to others, Will Turner of the famed Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, has evolved as a genuine connoisseur of luxury since being named a Porsche Design brand ambassador in 2025.
—Taylor Stoddard, Robb Report, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for break out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for break out
Verb
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Explosions reported in Tehran and other Iranian cities Reports of explosions erupted across several Iranian cities, including the capital, Tehran, following coordinated strikes by Israel and the United States early Saturday.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
28 Feb. 2026
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The courtroom erupted as the judge and lawyers tried to decide which charges Cox was self representing, and who needed to receive the motions.—
Amy DeLaura,
The Washington Examiner,
28 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The first escape occurred on April 3, 1996, when Froberg, serving time for armed robbery, escaped from a work detail and stole a 1986 Oldsmobile from an elderly woman.—
Monroe Trombly,
Louisville Courier Journal,
27 Feb. 2026
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Bumgarner said Froberg stayed with the nurse for about a week before traveling to Pennsylvania, where he was arrested in August 1996 in connection with the Alabama prison escape.—
Minyvonne Burke,
NBC news,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
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After retirement, Brown flew commercial cargo aircraft before joining two US defense contractors to work as an instructor in flight simulators training US pilots to fly the US F-35 stealth fighter and A-10 attack jet, the statement said.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
26 Feb. 2026
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In his mind, Spurs’ determination to operate with one of the top flight’s strictest wage structures would quickly catch up with them in a hyper-competitive league, where more clubs could dream of European football.—
Dan Kilpatrick,
New York Times,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The #NationalFire burning in Florida has now exploded to 25,000 acres in size.—
Bill Kearney,
Sun Sentinel,
25 Feb. 2026
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The three-family home that exploded has been deemed a total loss, displacing eight residents.—
Lance Reynolds,
Boston Herald,
25 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Break out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/break%20out. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.
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