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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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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of break out
George Packer, The Atlantic, 6 Nov. 2025
Elphaba, meanwhile, uncovering the Wizard and Madame Morrible's nefarious plot, defies them all — and gravity in the process — breaking out of the Emerald City on broomstick and whizzing off into sunset.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Nov. 2025
Noah Camras, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
Responsible for discovering breakout brands such as Rare Beauty, Haus Labs and Mona Kattan’s Kayali, Hahn also helped to grow the multi-brand’s fragrance category, signing on 100-plus brands.
—Vogue Business Team, Vogue, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for break out
Verb
The next morning, Burgher parents—oblivious to the fighting that had broken out in the capital—had lined the walkways and cheered as their children filed into schools with pencils and notebooks and tense faces, some bravely managing a smile, others rigid with fear.
—George Packer, The Atlantic, 6 Nov. 2025
Elphaba, meanwhile, uncovering the Wizard and Madame Morrible's nefarious plot, defies them all — and gravity in the process — breaking out of the Emerald City on broomstick and whizzing off into sunset.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
The Cowboys running back room has been dominated this season by Javonte Williams, a former second-round pick by the Denver Broncos who's finally enjoying a breakout season.
—Noah Camras, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
Responsible for discovering breakout brands such as Rare Beauty, Haus Labs and Mona Kattan’s Kayali, Hahn also helped to grow the multi-brand’s fragrance category, signing on 100-plus brands.
—Vogue Business Team, Vogue, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for break out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for break out
Verb
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Three days after a UPS cargo plane crashed and erupted into a deadly ball of fire in an industrial part of Louisville, Kentucky, investigators are piecing together evidence in a slow search for answers.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
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Days after he was elected in September, his to-do list got even longer when the Jimmy Kimmel-ABC crisis erupted, followed by the arrival of AI ingenue Tilly Norwood and the Sora 2 flap involving Bryan Cranston.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Their 109-108 escape against the Philadelphia 76ers provided compelling theater, just not to all of the Celtics players.—
Jay King,
New York Times,
1 Nov. 2025
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Smoke detectors inside the devices sense smoke, which triggers the alarm warning, and its chime can add life-saving minutes to an escape.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
1 Nov. 2025
Noun
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So what happens if your flight is affected?—
Rob Wile,
NBC news,
7 Nov. 2025
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The site can be used to simulate flight environments that can be used for hypersonic weapon development, according to a university notice.—
Tamara Qiblawi,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Propane tanks are actually more likely to explode due to excessive heat in the summer.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
7 Nov. 2025
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Autumn is when the park really explodes in color.—
Karthika Gupta,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Break out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/break%20out. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.
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