break in 1 of 2

Definition of break innext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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
A lot of the players went on city breaks in Europe at the start of last week before returning to Merseyside ahead of Sunday’s 3-2 defeat to Manchester United. James Pearce, New York Times, 4 May 2026 After an unanticipated five-week break in the season, Formula One resumed action this past weekend in Miami. Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 4 May 2026
Noun
After Biffle’s death, Iredell County sheriff’s investigators responded to a break-in at his home on Lake Norman in Mooresville. Joe Marusak may 1, Charlotte Observer, 1 May 2026 Since the first break-in attempt in March, Ridglan appeared to ramp up its security measures, according to photos reviewed by the Journal Sentinel. Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for break in
Recent Examples of Synonyms for break in
Verb
  • Some have questioned whether the Biennale really is a nonpartisan exhibition, pointing to the show’s history of making political statements, including in 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine.
    Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 9 May 2026
  • Usually, the solution to getting rid of these pests is using synthetic chemicals or traps, but there's actually a completely natural way to deter mice from invading your property and landscape.
    Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • As Miller relayed this story, the sound of a vehicle coming down the dirt road interrupted him.
    Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 14 May 2026
  • The event had been held at New York City’s Madison Square Garden since its inception from 1877 to 2020, when it was interrupted by the Covid pandemic.
    Denise Petski, Deadline, 13 May 2026
Noun
  • That sentiment echoed common criticism of Laurence des Cars, who was fired from her post as Louvre president following the crown jewel burglary.
    Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 13 May 2026
  • Dannie Lee Moore, 61, was found guilty of three counts of burglary and one count of battery by means of a deadly weapon.
    Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2026
Verb
  • As the Timberwolves desperately searched for an equalizer in the final five minutes, Notre Dame goaltender Kendra DeLawter stood tall in net, robbing two point-blank attempts to preserve the lead for the Cougars.
    Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 9 May 2026
  • Two men charged with stealing about $667,000 of Louis Vuitton merchandise from the back of delivery trucks — robbing the drivers at gunpoint — pleaded not guilty in San Diego Superior Court on Wednesday, prosecutors said.
    Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2026
Verb
  • If Congress does nothing, research suggests, retirees will see a 28% cut in monthly benefits.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 12 May 2026
  • And food stamp cuts in Arizona offer a warning to the nation.
    Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 11 May 2026
Noun
  • But there are some potential holdups.
    Alec Lewis, New York Times, 6 May 2026
  • Police have also charged 32-year-old Guardy Roman in connection with two of the holdups reported last fall.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • An immigrant delivery man bashed unconscious during a botched four-on-one Manhattan mugging died of his injuries months later, cops said Sunday.
    Rebecca White, New York Daily News, 15 Feb. 2026
  • That was the only way to see countries' delegations backflipping and mean-mugging from places like Cortina and Livigno, sort of alternating with the parade in Milan.
    Pien Huang, NPR, 6 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Break in.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/break%20in. Accessed 14 May. 2026.

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