Synonyms of break out

break out 1 of 2

verb

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

• erupt
• burst (forth)
• explode
• flare (up)
• blaze (up)
• flame
• swell
• mount
• rocket
• skyrocket
• touch off
• proliferate
• multiply
• wax
• detonate
• mushroom
• snowball
• blow up
• balloon
• burgeon

breakout

2 of 2

noun

ˈbrāk-ˌau̇t 

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

• escape
• flight
• break
• rout
• getaway
• bunk
• rescue
• slip
• liberation
• lam
• redemption
• release
• salvation
• deliverance
• jailbreak
• close call
• close shave
• near miss

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• confinement
• imprisonment
• incarceration
• captivity
• retention
• holding
• custody
• risk
• detention
• trouble
• hold
• internment
• hazard
• jeopardy
• immurement
• peril
• imperilment
• endangerment

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of break out

Verb

As Dua Lipa blasted from the speakers inside, a man on a smoke break out on the street took big gulps of a pint of lager and stared down at his phone. — Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 4 Nov. 2026

Before the manager could remove the man, an altercation broke out between him and another customer, and beers were thrown. — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026

Noun

Bryant was the Broncos most productive wideout through the early stretch of the season, capitalizing on his breakout training camp in the summer. — Sam Jane, Denver Post, 6 Nov. 2026

Trade speculation around Breece Hall was natural given the Jets’ 2-6 record and the breakout of second-year running back Braelon Allen (504 rushing yards in the last five games). — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 6 Nov. 2026