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
Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025
The new trailer offers glimpses of Candy’s upbringing in Toronto, as well as his earliest screen roles before breaking out in 1980s hits Stripes, National Lampoon's Vacation (1983), Spaceballs (1987) and more — including 1987's Planes, Trains and Automobiles, which inspired the documentary's title.
—Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
Tatayana Yomary, Essence, 2 Sep. 2025
The song is the breakout hit from Dickerson’s new album, Famous Back Home, out today (Aug. 22) on Triple Tigers.
—Melinda Newman, Billboard, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for break out
Verb
Several Altadena residents who lost their homes sued Edison in January, days after the fire broke out.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025
The new trailer offers glimpses of Candy’s upbringing in Toronto, as well as his earliest screen roles before breaking out in 1980s hits Stripes, National Lampoon's Vacation (1983), Spaceballs (1987) and more — including 1987's Planes, Trains and Automobiles, which inspired the documentary's title.
—Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
As someone who looks for toners that can boost skin hydration and help tackle breakouts, the Pure Tropix Green Ginger Toner is a standout find.
—Tatayana Yomary, Essence, 2 Sep. 2025
The song is the breakout hit from Dickerson’s new album, Famous Back Home, out today (Aug. 22) on Triple Tigers.
—Melinda Newman, Billboard, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for break out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for break out
Verb
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Bovino relies on Border Patrol SWAT-style teams to avoid the chaos that erupted during an hourslong standoff at a Home Depot in Paramount on June 7.—
Elliot Spagat,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Sep. 2025
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As levees erupted, storm waters easily flowed in.—
Suzette Hackney,
USA Today,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Ripley can’t catch a break with her escape pods, and the end of this film features an astonishing demise to one of cinema’s greatest heroines.—
Dan Heching,
CNN Money,
12 Aug. 2025
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Part of what makes Zubimendi so valuable in these sequences is his constant movement to offer himself for the pass, often seen bouncing around midfield, constantly scanning the pitch, with a real knack for showing up at the right time to help his team-mates escape.—
Thom Harris,
New York Times,
11 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Conclave feels like a very architectural, sparse, mathematical film, [whereas] Ballad felt to me like a chaotic pop opera that explodes at the seams.—
Mia Galuppo,
HollywoodReporter,
5 Sep. 2025
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Just a couple of years later, his profile exploded.—
Kimberly Chrisman-Campbell,
The Atlantic,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The club looked at how the best Championship teams made the transition into the top flight in the past.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
5 Sep. 2025
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The Abu Dhabi experience The new flight lands at Zayed International Airport, which offers a variety of unique experiences for customers.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Break out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/break%20out. Accessed 7 Sep. 2025.
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