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
Relevance
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
Chris Willman, Variety, 30 Jan. 2026
According to Volkert, state officials organized an informational campaign late last year after fire departments across the state saw a number of fires break out involving fireplace ashes that were disposed of unsafely.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 30 Jan. 2026
Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 5 Feb. 2026
Irritation and breakouts are normal, so patience is key.
—Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for break out
Verb
The audience also spontaneously broke out into just such a chant between songs.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 30 Jan. 2026
According to Volkert, state officials organized an informational campaign late last year after fire departments across the state saw a number of fires break out involving fireplace ashes that were disposed of unsafely.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
After his breakout season in Minneapolis, the expectations were high again in Seattle, but Macdonald said his quarterback has more than met them.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 5 Feb. 2026
Irritation and breakouts are normal, so patience is key.
—Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for break out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for break out
Verb
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But when the Hanceville scandal erupted, things turned bleaker still.—
Rob Picheta,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
-
Frustration erupted almost immediately.—
Emiliano Tahui Gómez,
Austin American Statesman,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
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At the time of the escape, the kangaroo was carrying her baby, known as a joey.—
Sophia Compton,
FOXNews.com,
1 Feb. 2026
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Just two hours from Manhattan—and easily accessible via Amtrak—Hudson makes an easy weekend escape for travelers short on time.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Raina and her clumber spaniel, Pancake, arrived in New York via indirect flights and had been enjoying taking in the city.—
Leigh Nordstrom,
Footwear News,
4 Feb. 2026
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The staff had Curran write out a statement and later asked for Piro’s credit card to book a flight out of Cozumel.—
Nathan Diller,
USA Today,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The memorabilia market has exploded in the past 5 to 10 years, said independent appraiser Simeon Lipman, in part because there are new auction firms working directly with prop houses.—
Julie Brener Davich,
HollywoodReporter,
4 Feb. 2026
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The analyst, who has seen many tech cycles come and go since starting his career in 1987, is part of a growing chorus of voices on Wall Street arguing that AI has now warped into a bubble that risks exploding.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
4 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Break out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/break%20out. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
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