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
Lars Brandle, Billboard, 23 Jan. 2026
However, the story of a widow (Rinko Kikuchi) whose love of dancing helps her break out of a deep depression struck a chord with the evening crowd at the Eccles, who leapt to their feet as the credits rolled.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 23 Jan. 2026
Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 21 Jan. 2026
Feid & Marcello Hernández – Largest Spanish language comedy show at the Hollywood Bowl of all time, with one of the biggest names in Latin music, Feid, and stand-up breakout star, Marcello Hernández.
—Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for break out
Verb
After an era-conquering moment as a member of One Direction, which went on an indefinite hiatus in 2016, Tomlinson broke out with his debut album, Walls, in 2020.
—Lars Brandle, Billboard, 23 Jan. 2026
However, the story of a widow (Rinko Kikuchi) whose love of dancing helps her break out of a deep depression struck a chord with the evening crowd at the Eccles, who leapt to their feet as the credits rolled.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 23 Jan. 2026
Noun
Red light masks are all the rage, and trust that Theraface has the technology down pat to reduce puffiness, breakouts, and even fine lines.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 21 Jan. 2026
Feid & Marcello Hernández – Largest Spanish language comedy show at the Hollywood Bowl of all time, with one of the biggest names in Latin music, Feid, and stand-up breakout star, Marcello Hernández.
—Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for break out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for break out
Verb
-
The shootout, captured on video by news helicopters and witnesses, erupted Wednesday afternoon after the suspect crashed his car near Julian Street and Notre Dame Avenue, next to the offramp of Highway 87 and seven blocks from City Hall.—
Ruben Vives,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Jan. 2026
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One of the defendant’s friends had a conversation with Velasquez that erupted into a brawl before the defendant charged at the victim and opened fire, the prosecutor said.—
City News Service,
Oc Register,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
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As a bonus, organizing your career change process while things are still good might transform this transition from being a desperate escape into a move from one enjoyable thing to the next.—
Amy Lindgren,
Twin Cities,
24 Jan. 2026
-
The sensational nature of his escape and the substantial reward for his recapture brought in rumors from all over the state.—
Richard Selcer,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The Italian, 43 years old when he was appointed in September 2022, had worked in the Italian top flight with Palermo, Benevento and Sassuolo, and in the Ukrainian Premier League at Shakhtar Donetsk.—
Andy Naylor,
New York Times,
28 Jan. 2026
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The Army, the FAA and PSA Airlines, the American Airlines subsidiary that operated the flight as American Eagle 5342, were among the parties represented during the hearing.—
Alexandra Skores,
CNN Money,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Heather is confused about what exactly LUXE Marketing (Lisa’s company that isn’t Vida) does, and Lisa explodes at her for even asking the question.—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
21 Jan. 2026
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My sense is that the trail leads to nothing revelatory, but at least you’re treated to plenty of exploding bodies, piles of steaming flesh and a writhing A-list cast along the way.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
21 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Break out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/break%20out. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
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