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
Relevance
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
David Troy, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2026
Anticipating that war might break out, the couple had already purchased tickets to fly to Istanbul on February 23 to stay in a friend’s apartment.
—Elaine Pofeldt, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026
Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
The biggest breakout, however, came from Zach Neto, who reinforced Manager Kurt Suzuki’s decision to keep him in the leadoff spot despite a 4-for-30 slump.
—Mark Gonzales, Oc Register, 17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for break out
Verb
Still, the Cubs broke out the bats yesterday, and Pete Crow-Armstrong looks like the five-tool player from the first half of last season.
—David Troy, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2026
Anticipating that war might break out, the couple had already purchased tickets to fly to Istanbul on February 23 to stay in a friend’s apartment.
—Elaine Pofeldt, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026
Noun
Those dynamics were already visible when prediction markets emerged as the Super Bowl's breakout winners this year.
—Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
The biggest breakout, however, came from Zach Neto, who reinforced Manager Kurt Suzuki’s decision to keep him in the leadoff spot despite a 4-for-30 slump.
—Mark Gonzales, Oc Register, 17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for break out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for break out
Verb
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Manager Dave Roberts, who looked down at his card when the throw was in the air, was already thinking through extra innings when the crowd erupted again.—
Maddie Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2026
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The current unrest first erupted in May after Paz cut long-standing fuel subsidies to shrink the deficit.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
20 June 2026
Noun
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There were few escape attempts because of the remote location of the state.—
Helaine Williams,
Arkansas Online,
20 June 2026
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The rebrand is still finding its footing as businesses learn how to balance a peaceful escape into farmland with a bustling tourism industry.—
Delia Rose Sauer,
Miami Herald,
19 June 2026
Verb
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Birding has exploded from a niche hobby into a mainstream pastime, driven by the pandemic outdoor-recreation boom and amplified by apps and social media.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
18 June 2026
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At-home microbiome tests have exploded in popularity, fueled by genuine curiosity about gut health and big promises about energy, mood and longevity.—
Ryan Brennan,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
17 June 2026
Noun
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In a news release Wednesday, Kansas City Public Information Officer Jackson Overstreet said three charter flights full of Curaçao fans will begin to arrive at Kansas City International Airport on Thursday.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
18 June 2026
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The Federal Aviation Administration prohibits all aircraft operations, including drone flights, within a 3-nautical-mile radius and up to 3,000 feet above ground level around certain stadiums hosting World Cup matches.—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Break out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/break%20out. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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