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

On both flights, the nozzles on one of the boosters became engulfed in flames and broke off during liftoff. —Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Mar. 2026

The gust tore the vertical fin from the tail and hurled it into the left horizontal stabilizer, which broke off in turn. —Burkhard Bilger, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026

Occasionally, that ice can break off and fall to the ground, but these occurrences are exceedingly rare. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 26 Feb. 2026

Police were called twice to the home to respond to apparent angry outbursts from Bushey, once after the knives were removed, and once after the locks were changed, which reportedly led Bushey to break off a doorknob to enter the house. —City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026