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

During the unmanned Artemis I mission in 2022, engineers discovered more than 100 locations on the Orion heat shield that had cracked and broken off during reentry. —Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 11 Apr. 2026

Be thorough, because any little tubers that break off will grow many more plants. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2026

Last month, talks broke off and the NFL began making plans to hire and train replacement officials as early as mid-May. —Mike Jones, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026

The stabbing was so forceful that the tip of the knife broke off inside the officer’s head, Chamberlain said, but the officer was able to fire his gun and shoot the man during the attack. —Katie Langford, Denver Post, 9 Apr. 2026