Synonyms of break off

break off

verb

1

as in to stop

to bring (as an action or operation) to an immediate end

the judge broke off court proceedings until after lunch

Synonyms & Similar Words

• stop
• cease
• end
• halt
• quit
• cut off
• lay off
• knock off
• shut off
• cut out
• leave off
• break up
• desist (from)
• delay
• pack (up or in)
• have done with
• drop
• suspend
• discontinue
• conclude
• give over
• can
• finish
• break
• close (down)
• check
• put the kibosh on
• complete
• hold back
• block
• clamp down
• turn back
• ruin
• pause
• hinder
• dam
• stay
• impede
• rein (in)
• stem
• deactivate
• brake
• obstruct
• detain
• abort
• hold
• blockade
• suppress
• stamp
• arrest
• destroy
• scuttle
• stunt
• squash
• call
• abolish
• squelch
• dissolve
• staunch
• stanch
• kill
• demolish
• snuff
• annul
• kibosh

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• continue
• run on
• keep up
• carry on
• proceed
• follow through (with)
• advance
• progress
• drive
• stir
• propel
• actuate
• impel

2

as in to end

to come to an end

talks between the two sides broke off when one began making unreasonable demands

Synonyms & Similar Words

• stop
• end
• expire
• conclude
• cease
• halt
• pass
• leave off
• break up
• finish
• wind up
• go
• die
• terminate
• close
• wink (out)
• lapse
• elapse
• determine
• let up
• discontinue
• bite the dust
• stall
• quit
• knock off
• refrain (from)
• desist (from)
• dead-end
• lay off (of)
• break down
• cut out
• pack (up or in)
• wind down
• stay
• pause
• suspend
• give over
• conk (out)
• peter (out)
• abate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• continue
• hang on
• persist
• draw out
• extend
• prolong
• protract

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of break off

Officers determined that Malone was likely driving back to the woman’s home in the 100 block of Greystone Avenue, so Dickman and another officer broke off and tried to get ahead of him. —Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 4 Aug. 2025

Four bargaining units have broken off talks with the administration since July 2, arguing they either were offered no raise or a lesser increase than Lamont and the legislature granted state police troopers in mid-May. —Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 31 July 2025

Hydrothermal vent mining and cobalt crust mining also employ mining vehicles on the seafloor in order to collect sulfide deposits and cobalt crusts after they are broken off and removed. —Amber X. Chen, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 July 2025

The former couple announced their engagement in December The singer-songwriter, 27, and her music producer beau have broken off their engagement, PEOPLE confirms. —Rachel Desantis, People.com, 31 July 2025