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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On third-and-1 with seven seconds left, Schakel took the snap and tried to spike the ball, which would have stopped the clock and given his team one final play to go for the win.—
Alex Valdes,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
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Among those who do use an advisor, 26% are considering switching and 18% may stop using an advisor altogether.—
Robert Frank,
CNBC,
8 Nov. 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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From December through February, shuttle service largely ceases (outside of select days and weekends; check shuttle schedules for up-to-date details).—
Stephanie Vermillion,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Nov. 2025
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Meanwhile, over in Britain, a vibrant antiwar movement brought on motion after motion in Parliament to cease fire and end all offensive operations against the rebels.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 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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Top Republicans who attended the classified briefing rallied to the president’s defense while Democrats questioned the scope of the operation and pushed to halt further military action.—
Garrett Downs,
CNBC,
6 Jan. 2026
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Corpus Christi, Texas — The judge overseeing the trial of a former school police officer accused of abandoning children during a massacre halted testimony on Tuesday and told jurors not to come to court on Wednesday.—
Shimon Prokupecz,
CNN Money,
6 Jan. 2026
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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Placer County, which estimates that 16,000 residents could lose health care coverage by 2028, quit operating its own clinics nearly a decade ago.—
KFF Health News,
Oc Register,
6 Jan. 2026
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After quitting acting, Kibrick attended the University of Southern California and worked in real estate development.—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The easiest way to cut into a pomegranate is to cut off the peel near the blossom end.—
Mary Ann Esposito,
Boston Herald,
7 Jan. 2026
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One congressman suggested that Washington should sooner cut off his own hand than sign a bill that would see his likeness on a coin, a move that would put him in the company of Nero and Caligula.—
Jake Lundberg,
The Atlantic,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Break off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/break%20off. Accessed 8 Jan. 2026.
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