break in 1 of 2

1
as in to invade
to enter a house or building by force usually with illegal intent the burglars broke in by smashing a window

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2
as in to interrupt
to cause a disruption in a conversation or discussion he rudely broke in to drop the names of several celebrities that he had met

Synonyms & Similar Words

break-in

2 of 2

noun

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of break in
Verb
Again, more slug from Tatis will help, which is why everyone breathed a sigh of relief when none of the imaging revealed any breaks in the wrist struck by a pitch in the ninth inning Thursday at Dodger Stadium. Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 June 2025 However, the evening soon takes a bloody turn after vampire hunters try to break in and infiltrate the evening of Black pride and community. Matt Minton, Variety, 20 June 2025
Noun
Historic Core of downtown LA also hurt The Historic Core of downtown LA, further away from where the protests have occurred and home to many nightclubs and bars, has also suffered from break-ins. Diane Brady, Fortune, 18 June 2025 Brooklyn Park police were alerted to the overnight break-in at 8 a.m. Wednesday. Kathryn Kovalenko, Twin Cities, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for break in
Recent Examples of Synonyms for break in
Verb
  • Hamas invaded Israel on October 7, 2023, and massacred over 1,200 people, including Americans.
    Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 21 June 2025
  • Lil Wayne invades Billboard's Hot Rap Songs chart this week with tunes from his new album, Tha Carter VI.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Explore Ed Sheeran See latest videos, charts and news Varnes began his audition with an original song on acoustic guitar, but was quickly interrupted by judge Simon Cowell.
    Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 18 June 2025
  • After arriving at the senator's street and parking, the suspect was interrupted by a New Hope police officer who was sent to the house as a precautionary measure.
    Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • Officers responded to a burglary complaint about 7:30 a.m. Sunday, when employees at the city’s Parks and Recreation Department told cops someone was stuck in the chimney of a building in Rockwell Park, Bristol Police Lt. Desmond Wilson said.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 23 June 2025
  • Certain charges, like their 2023 burglary charge in the state of Vermont, have been dropped due to plea deals Miller has struck in multiple states.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • Most memorable moment: Fleury robbing Lidstrom in the dying seconds of Game 7 might be the single greatest ending to a Stanley Cup Final ever.
    Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 16 June 2025
  • Sociologists Erin Kelly and Phyllis Moen have also described how ever-increasing demands on workers’ time rob them of their health, security, and even the ability to get a good night’s sleep on a regular basis.
    Adia Harvey Wingfield, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
Verb
  • For context, the national average of price cuts in terms of on-market supply is 34 percent, up 17 percent year-over-year.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025
  • The world premiere of the cinematic cut in Karlovy Vary is scheduled for July 9.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • The White House did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s questions about what the holdup could be, given that other nominations, like that of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, were pushed through within five days of Trump entering the Oval Office.
    Caitlin McFall, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2025
  • The holdup was prompted by conflicting views from residents.
    Stephanie Lam, Mercury News, 22 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Break in.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/break%20in. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.

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