Synonyms of break out

break out 1 of 2

verb

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

• erupt
• burst (forth)
• explode
• flare (up)
• blaze (up)
• flame
• swell
• mount
• rocket
• skyrocket
• touch off
• proliferate
• multiply
• wax
• detonate
• mushroom
• snowball
• blow up
• balloon
• burgeon

breakout

2 of 2

noun

ˈbrāk-ˌau̇t 

as in escape

the act or an instance of getting free from danger or confinement

the captives had been planning to stage a breakout at the next change in shift for the guards

Synonyms & Similar Words

• escape
• flight
• break
• rout
• getaway
• bunk
• rescue
• slip
• liberation
• lam
• redemption
• release
• salvation
• deliverance
• jailbreak
• close call
• close shave
• near miss

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• confinement
• imprisonment
• incarceration
• captivity
• retention
• holding
• custody
• risk
• detention
• trouble
• hold
• internment
• hazard
• jeopardy
• immurement
• peril
• imperilment
• endangerment

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of break out

Verb

When first questioned by authorities, Farinacci initially denied being in the area where the fire broke out. — Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026

In March, Rob Rausch, who broke out on Love Island USA, then parlayed that into a winning run on the latest season of The Traitors, signed with UTA and now shares an agent with James McAvoy and Theo James. — Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 7 Aug. 2026

Noun

The Australian actor is the second of the week to join following Jaafar Jackson, the breakout star of Lionsgate’s Michael. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2026

Emmett Sheehan, after a breakout 2025, had struggled mightily in recent starts, and the injuries had forced LA to turn to journeyman Eric Lauer. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2026