break out 1 of 2

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

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breakout

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 out
Verb
Put your heart on the line to break out of a creative rut. Usa Today, USA Today, 16 Oct. 2025 Other research firms have similar findings in their reports, but broke out other aspects of Christmas shopping such as generational preferences. Serenah McKay, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
My line in the sand here is $3,900 which was resistance in the first half of the year prior to the August breakout. Josh Brown,sean Russo, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2025 The pass rush harassed both Rush and Huntley in the backfield, and Quentin Lake had a breakout performance with an interception and a fumble recovery. The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for break out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for break out
Verb
  • Cincinnati trailed 10-0 late in the first half but erupted for 20 unanswered points spanning the end of the second quarter into the third before Pittsburgh eventually responded.
    Cole Sullivan, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Thunderstorms erupting in the South and Midwest to kick off the weekend could turn severe and produce dangerous winds, a few tornadoes and heavy rain.
    Chris Dolce, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The Broncos closed his escape routes, too, limiting his impact as a scrambler.
    Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Easily accessible via Amtrak’s Northeast Regional line, Roanoke may be the perfect destination for a car-free weekend escape to the mountains.
    Erin Gifford, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • With sunflower sea stars suddenly all but gone from their home range, sea urchin numbers exploded, and the hungry urchin hordes descended upon kelp forests.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Their offense hasn’t quite exploded like they’d like.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The program will also focus on electronic systems within aircraft such as communication, navigation and other flight instruments.
    Sydney Sasser, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The Lakewood brewery will debut its own signature pickle beer alongside a Pickled Bloody Mary seltzer bar, pickle beer flights, and a pickle beer chugging contest.
    John Wenzel, Denver Post, 16 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Break out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/break%20out. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

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