Synonyms of break in

break in 1 of 2

verb

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

• invade
• rob
• burglarize
• sack
• stick up
• trespass
• burgle
• rip off
• plunder
• rifle
• loot
• hold up
• ravage
• ransack
• pillage
• despoil
• devastate
• maraud

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

• interrupt
• cut in
• chip in
• intrude
• bother
• put in
• chime in
• add
• interpose
• horn in
• contribute
• barge (in)

break-in

2 of 2

noun

as in burglary

Related Words

• burglary
• holdup
• mugging
• stickup
• theft
• heist
• grab
• snatching
• swiping
• rip-off
• pinch

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of break in

Verb

And on the next pitch, a curveball broke in and grazed Jackson Merrill’s pant leg. —Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Apr. 2026

The gearbox broke in Ghana, leaving them with only fourth gear. —ABC News, 21 Apr. 2026

Noun

All the President's Men starred the legendary actors as Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, respectively, journalists who investigated the 1972 break-in at the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and uncovered the sweeping cover-up that ultimately led to President Richard Nixon’s resignation. —Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 11 Apr. 2026

Also on Wednesday, Banegas was sentenced to four decades in prison for a string of car break-ins. —Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2026