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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to end
to come to an end
talks between the two sides broke off when one began making unreasonable demands
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of break off
Lumpkins’ fingernails were broken off because she had been dragged from under the bed.
—
Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025
The scene where ‘80s teen Marty McFly borrows a scooter from a bewildered ‘50s kid and breaks off the handles to make a skateboard is one of the film’s most iconic moments.
—Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2025
Second, the flowing glacier brings more ice forward to replace what breaks off, slowing the cliff’s inland retreat and making a chain reaction of cliff toppling less likely.
—Evan Howell, Quanta Magazine, 20 Oct. 2025
On the ensuing drive, Christian Simmons broke off a 32-yard touchdown run.
—Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for break off
Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025
The scene where ‘80s teen Marty McFly borrows a scooter from a bewildered ‘50s kid and breaks off the handles to make a skateboard is one of the film’s most iconic moments.
—Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2025
Second, the flowing glacier brings more ice forward to replace what breaks off, slowing the cliff’s inland retreat and making a chain reaction of cliff toppling less likely.
—Evan Howell, Quanta Magazine, 20 Oct. 2025
On the ensuing drive, Christian Simmons broke off a 32-yard touchdown run.
—Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for break off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for break off
Verb
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The former instantly adds a second layer of security against unwanted guests, and the latter emits an ultra-loud alarm while acting like a door stop wedge, scaring off any stranger who tries to enter your room.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
26 Oct. 2025
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And Los Angeles did not stop there.—
Jacob Lev,
CNN Money,
26 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The benefit reductions for November are temporary, and SNAP recipients are expected to receive full benefits once the government shutdown ends and regular appropriations have been approved.—
Aliss Higham,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
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Hong Kong — Qatar Airways will sell its stake in Cathay Pacific Airways for $896 million, ending its eight-year shareholding in Hong Kong’s flagship carrier.—
John Liu,
CNN Money,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Timor-Leste’s oil and gas wells are already running dry, with oil production at the Bayu-Undan field in the Timor Sea—the country’s only producing field—ceasing production in June 2025.—
Angelica Ang,
Fortune,
30 Oct. 2025
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The pattern held on many Western rivers; without regulations on what people could keep, wild fisheries would simply cease to exist.—
Christine Peterson,
Outdoor Life,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Republicans have also proposed reopening the government through at least January, advancing three full-year spending bills covering veterans’ programs, agriculture and the legislative branch, and guarantee a future vote on the expiring health subsidies.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
6 Nov. 2025
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There were some reports about the couple’s finances after their Netflix deal expired, but the two then went on to sign a first-look deal, similar to what other high-profile duos, like the Obamas, have signed.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Advocates and beneficiaries say halting the food aid would force people to choose between buying groceries and paying other bills.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
3 Nov. 2025
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Tens of millions of Americans are now feeling the impact as federal food assistance halted over the weekend and travelers experienced chaos at major airports.—
Kevin Shalvey,
ABC News,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Women from 130 countries are participating in this year’s edition, which concludes on November 21 with the crowning of the winner.—
Anabella González,
CNN Money,
8 Nov. 2025
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Williams returned to his alma mater and guided UNC to three NCAA titles (2005, 2009, 2017) and concluded with a career record of 903-264.—
Gary Bedore,
Kansas City Star,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Furious about this, Jane quit the sorority.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
4 Nov. 2025
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Authorities are now hoping to cut down on smoking everywhere across the archipelago, with plans to set up anti-smoking clinics that will offer medication to help people quit tobacco products.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Trump has repeatedly threatened to cut off federal funding to New York City — and even take control of it — if Mamdani won.—
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
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When the government cut off SNAP payments to poor families, a small restaurant-owner in Owensboro stepped in to give people free food.—
Ray Padilla,
Louisville Courier Journal,
4 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Break off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/break%20off. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
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