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
• staunch
• stanch
• kill
• demolish
• snuff
• annul
• 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

Baby rattlesnakes don’t have rattles, and adult snakes’ rattles occasionally break off, according to the National Park Service. —Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2025

Their recent outings come nearly a year after Kravitz and ex-fiancé Channing Tatum broke off their engagement in October 2024. —Charna Flam, People.com, 27 Aug. 2025

In 2024, the actress broke off her engagement to Channing Tatum. —Hannah Madlener, Glamour, 25 Aug. 2025

Part of the casket that broke off during the excavation helped YCSO determine the discovery was not a routine death investigation but rather a remnant of the area's history. —Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 24 Aug. 2025