break off

Definition of break offnext

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 off That trail of vaporizing particles breaking off the asteroid causes a bright streak of light across the sky called a meteor, or colloquially a shooting star. Adam Lark, Scientific American, 28 June 2026 That sparked a miles-long chase that broke off when the suspect reportedly started driving the wrong way on I-95, according to police. Dan Snyder, CBS News, 24 June 2026 The lead head had been chewed loose and now, on an exceptionally tough bass, the front hook broke off. Hank Bradshaw, Outdoor Life, 24 June 2026 Now, though, some branches are breaking off. Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for break off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for break off
Verb
  • During the war, as the death toll ticked upward in the enclave, search operations for bodies largely stopped, either because most heavy equipment was destroyed, fuel became scarce or many strike sites became inaccessible due to the fighting.
    Bilal Shbeir, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • Curious passersby stopped throughout the day, gazing up at what used to be the Pfizer headquarters building.
    Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 9 July 2026
Verb
  • Despite an energized crowd, the US fell short against Belgium 4-1, ending a wild run for the host country.
    Doug Duran, Mercury News, 7 July 2026
  • Romelu Lukaku scored the fourth goal just at the end of stoppage time, and ending the USMNT’s dreams.
    Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026
Verb
  • Under the proposal, the academy could cease operations for roughly seven months after the January 2028 class, which would let the department temporarily reassign more than 300 officers from its training division.
    Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • Furthermore, the centralized App Store infrastructure means third-party applications would cease to function if Apple's servers are no longer active.
    Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • Unlike the federal tax credits that expired in September, these incentives offer an instant discount and don’t require buyers to apply for credit later.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • After that agreement expires, the government and Estrada may extend that on an annual basis.
    Sofi Zeman July 3, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • Attacks on ships — and the threat of them — virtually halted traffic in the waterway during the conflict, causing the price of oil to skyrocket and raising prices on many basic goods, including food, far beyond the region.
    Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • Almost two years ago, China’s east coast was smacked by one of the strongest storms in decades, which temporarily halted container operations at both Shanghai and Ningbo ports.
    Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 8 July 2026
Verb
  • The region’s air quality alerts associated with the Fourth of July concluded Sunday afternoon.
    Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • After the hearing concludes, state District Judge Tony Graf must determine if the case should proceed.
    ABC News, ABC News, 5 July 2026
Verb
  • Herzog won a power struggle in the front office, then quit anyway, amid disputes with ownership.
    Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • The much-ballyhooed heavyweight boxing match between Mike Tyson and Andrew Golota ends abruptly when Golota quits after the second round; later Golota is hospitalized with a concussion.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • Ukraine has stepped up attacks on Russian oil facilities and military assets in recent weeks, seeking to cut off Moscow’s energy revenues and try to raise the political pressure on the Kremlin.
    Sam Meredith, CNBC, 6 July 2026
  • Another method is to cut off oxygen to the fire by using a snuffing lid, then let the fire burn out naturally.
    Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 4 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Break off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/break%20off. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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