break in 1 of 2

verb

Definition of break innext
1
as in to invade
to enter a house or building by force usually with illegal intent the burglars broke in by smashing a window

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in to interrupt
to cause a disruption in a conversation or discussion he rudely broke in to drop the names of several celebrities that he had met

Synonyms & Similar Words

break-in

2 of 2

noun

as in burglary

Related Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of break in
Verb
For Winfrey, that professional reassurance came from a decade of hard work following her big break in her thirties. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 27 July 2026 Dixon broke down in tears when asked about the 14-year break in the case and the emotional reaction from Chavez's relatives. — Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 22 July 2026
Noun
In February 2025, three men alleged to be part of a South American theft group were indicted in the break-in at Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow’s home. — Mirna Alsharif, NBC news, 19 July 2026 No break-in period required, the exceptionally cushy Clarks Arla Gilson Flip-flops are ready-to-wear straight out of your suitcase. — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for break in
Recent Examples of Synonyms for break in
  1. invade
  2. interrupt
  3. burglary
  4. rob
  5. cut in
  6. holdup
  7. mugging
Verb
  • After Putin invaded Ukraine, Western governments grabbed almost two dozen luxury vessels to punish him and his cronies.
    — Giacomo Tognini, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, for example, several contractors initially outperformed—but, according to a Fisher Investment analysis, much of those gains had already occurred before the invasion.
    — Preston Fore, Fortune, 25 July 2026
Definition of invade
Verb
  • Children interrupting, meals being made, the day being talked over.
    — Belonging Forum, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • While baking soda is famously good at deodorizing smelly things, adding salt to compost piles can interrupt the composting process.
    — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 July 2026
Definition of interrupt
Noun
  • He was sentenced to four consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole and an additional 10 years for burglary.
    — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 30 July 2026
  • Washington Township Police said an arrest warrant has been issued for 31-year-old Rafael Gordian, of Philadelphia, in connection with the burglary at Frank's, but officers are still looking for him.
    — Ryan Hughes, CBS News, 30 July 2026
Definition of burglary
Verb
  • Thus within Haitian culture, zombies were victims, robbed of independent will by cruel masters.
    — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 31 July 2026
  • Parkinson’s is a neurologic disease that robs people of control over their movements.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
Definition of rob
Verb
  • The Biden Administration had targeted a 61% to 66% cut in overall emissions by 2035.
    — Paige Bruton, semafor.com, 30 July 2026
  • Policymakers have kept the rate at that level since December after four rate cuts in 2025.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 July 2026
Definition of cut in
Noun
  • The holdup for Blanche came a day after the Senate confirmed Jay Clayton as director of national intelligence.
    — Alex Harring, CNBC, 30 July 2026
  • Yet the biggest holdup by far is the bill’s ethics provisions, which would govern how lawmakers and the president make money on crypto.
    — Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of holdup
Noun
  • Is a 1-game suspension enough for the mugging?
    — Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2026
  • While investigating this incident, CPD also learned that a shot was fired during a mugging, also in the Lincoln Park neighborhood.
    — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 7 June 2026
Definition of mugging

Browse Nearby Words

breakfronts
break in
break-in
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Break in.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/break%20in. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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