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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of break off
The former president was hospitalized on Friday after strong abdominal pains during an event with supporters in northeastern Brazil, forcing him to break off a regional tour aimed at drumming up support ahead of a trial before the Supreme Court.
—
Reuters, CNN Money, 14 Apr. 2025
As garments are laundered and worn, small fiber pieces break off.
—Carved In Blue, Sourcing Journal, 2 Apr. 2025
Today, China has displaced the United States as the primary trading partner for several major economies and persuaded most countries in the region to break off formal ties with Taiwan.
—Matias Spektor, Foreign Affairs, 1 Apr. 2025
But after breaking off explosive runs early in the season, Lyle cemented himself as a key member of the running back rotation.
—Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for break off
Reuters, CNN Money, 14 Apr. 2025
As garments are laundered and worn, small fiber pieces break off.
—Carved In Blue, Sourcing Journal, 2 Apr. 2025
Today, China has displaced the United States as the primary trading partner for several major economies and persuaded most countries in the region to break off formal ties with Taiwan.
—Matias Spektor, Foreign Affairs, 1 Apr. 2025
But after breaking off explosive runs early in the season, Lyle cemented himself as a key member of the running back rotation.
—Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for break off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for break off
Verb
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Commentary: Is Trump's plan for tariff relief for automakers too late to stop global impact?—
Susan Page,
USA Today,
1 May 2025
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The administration has also asked food companies to voluntarily stop using another six dyes—Green No. 3, Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, Blue No. 1, and Blue No. 2—by the end of 2026.—
Jamie Ducharme,
Health,
30 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Major automakers want Congress to bar California's landmark plan to end the sale of gasoline-only vehicles by 2035 that has been adopted by 11 other states, warning the rules could begin impacting vehicle shipments in a few months.—
David Shepardson,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2025
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The festival kicks off on May 13, and ends on May 24, with the winners broadcast live at the closing ceremony on France Télévisions in France and by Brut internationally.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
28 Apr. 2025
Verb
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That shouldn’t be a surprise because the Packers would rather cease to exist as a franchise than draft an offensive lineman who can’t play at least three.—
Matt Schneidman,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2025
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Without these little guys and their fellow pollinators, our gardens would be devoid of fruit, our flowers would not spread, and many species that rely on them would cease to exist.—
Katie Akin,
Southern Living,
26 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The approach, pushed by some Senate Republicans, would essentially count the 2017 tax cuts, which expire this year, as ongoing policy that doesn't cost anything to extend.—
Claudia Grisales,
NPR,
28 Apr. 2025
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The plan allegedly started in April 2022, after the IPO lockup period expired and despite advisor warnings, including one from a capital markets consultant that such a trading plan likely breached Backblaze’s fiduciary duties.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
28 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The sources said Unilever is threatening to halt the funding in retaliation for the lawsuit, and because one of the ice cream maker's founders has tried to buy back the frozen dessert maker.—
Jessica DiNapoli,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2025
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Some see Maine as a precursor to what California can expect: a Trump administration attempt to halt federal education funding.—
Howard Blume,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The video concludes as the officer handcuffs Battle.—
Billal Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 Apr. 2025
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The events will conclude with the beginning of the Novemdiales, a symbolic and procedural period of nine days of prayer, mourning and remembrance.—
Gabriele Regalbuto,
FOXNews.com,
23 Apr. 2025
Verb
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In March 2025, 3.3 million Americans voluntarily quit their jobs.—
Cheryl Robinson,
Forbes.com,
3 May 2025
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But still the Kings would not quit, with Spence scoring two minutes before the second intermission to keep the score close.—
Kevin Baxter,
Los Angeles Times,
2 May 2025
Verb
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The Trump administration is cutting off the huge stream of data that's been feeding the nation's largest study of women's health, which has produced a series of landmark discoveries.—
Rob Stein,
NPR,
23 Apr. 2025
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Trump briefly cut off aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, but resumed after Zelenskyy agreed to an immediate ceasefire, a call Putin has rebuffed.—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
23 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Break off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/break%20off. Accessed 7 May. 2025.
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