1
as in classifying
to arrange or assign according to type
when presented with the pile of files, the first thing he did was to break them down by month, order within the month, and region
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in decomposing
to go through decomposition
the enamel of a human tooth will begin to break down when exposed to sugar for too long
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in analyzing
to identify and examine the basic elements or parts of (something) especially for discovering interrelationships
if we break the problem down into what appear to be three aspects of it, we'll have a better chance of solving it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in dying
to stop functioning
the computer finally broke down and had to be replaced
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in melting down
to yield to mental or emotional stress
began to break down when he realized that he was on the verge of bankruptcy
Synonyms & Similar Words
6
as in taking down
to take apart
the crew was breaking down the party tent when we arrived
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in shattering
to cause to break with violence and much noise
firefighters had to break down the wall to rescue the kitten
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of breaking down
Oil shortages and obsolete power stations constantly breaking down have made daily hours-long blackouts the new normal.
—
Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 21 Jan. 2026
Others are also said to be on the verge of breaking down.
—Jermont Terry, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
Three decades later, this international liberal order is breaking down.
—Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2025
This is the web version of Fortune Tech, a daily newsletter breaking down the biggest players and stories shaping the future.
—Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2025
But that instinct is breaking down.
—Mohammed R. Mhawish, New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2025
Influencers are already breaking down the steps of the dance so fellow fans can join in on the fun.
—Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2025
When breaking down what the heck happened over the last four months, the first item on the list is the way New York’s starting rotation disintegrated.
—Tim Britton, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
Suitable for use on double spinner wheels, the rubber covers slip directly onto the exterior of the wheels to prevent them from breaking down on uneven surfaces with the help of thick, durable silicone material.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 23 Sep. 2025
Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 21 Jan. 2026
Others are also said to be on the verge of breaking down.
—Jermont Terry, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
Three decades later, this international liberal order is breaking down.
—Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2025
This is the web version of Fortune Tech, a daily newsletter breaking down the biggest players and stories shaping the future.
—Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2025
But that instinct is breaking down.
—Mohammed R. Mhawish, New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2025
Influencers are already breaking down the steps of the dance so fellow fans can join in on the fun.
—Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2025
When breaking down what the heck happened over the last four months, the first item on the list is the way New York’s starting rotation disintegrated.
—Tim Britton, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
Suitable for use on double spinner wheels, the rubber covers slip directly onto the exterior of the wheels to prevent them from breaking down on uneven surfaces with the help of thick, durable silicone material.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 23 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for breaking down
Verb
-
This means OpenAI is essentially classifying the model as capable enough at coding to potentially facilitate significant cyber harm, especially if automated or used at scale.—
Beatrice Nolan,
Fortune,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Young Women’s Leadership Academy has students in grades 6-12 and has an 85% minority population, with 65% of total students classifying as Hispanic and 20% as African-American.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Funk assures that the softened, decomposing cardboard will allow plants to grow through.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Jon Hallford, a southern Colorado funeral home owner who stashed nearly 200 decomposing bodies and gave families fake ashes, was sentenced on state charges on Friday.—
Maria Braganini,
CBS News,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Experts were on hand to trace runaways' digital footprints – analyzing social media and gaming platforms, along with messaging and social media apps.—
Tony Aiello,
CBS News,
14 Feb. 2026
-
This will include meeting with affected communities and parents, sharing potential boundary options, gathering feedback and analyzing data to adjust options, McMullen said.—
Kendrick Calfee
February 13,
Kansas City Star,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Birds infected with the virus may exhibit symptoms common to colds and flu in humans or may have no apparent symptoms before dying from the disease.—
Joe Brandt,
CBS News,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Elevated sections followed by flat lines indicate the heart muscle is not getting enough blood flow and may be dying.—
Nicole Villalpando,
Austin American Statesman,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Sidestep a financial wrangle if someone is melting down.—
Tribune Content Agency,
Baltimore Sun,
5 Jan. 2026
-
Explosions near the site had already damaged a high-voltage power line; Ukraine feared the failure of cooling systems that prevent nuclear fuel from melting down.—
Robin Wright,
New Yorker,
12 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
After taking down the British Union of Fascists from the inside, Tommy has mostly kept a low profile, but the thought of his heir siding with the Nazis might be enough to pull him back into the fight.—
Allison DeGrushe,
Entertainment Weekly,
19 Feb. 2026
-
After taking down the serial numbers from three M-16s used in the Pakistani Taliban suicide attack on the cadet college, near Wana, CNN made a Freedom of Information Act request to the US military concerning how the weapons got to Afghanistan.—
Sophia Saifi,
CNN Money,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
This happens when heavy rain or snowmelt raises the river level, shattering the existing ice cover.—
Ahmad Bajjey,
CBS News,
14 Feb. 2026
-
The first attempt ended in shattering disappointment.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Whether you’re headed out for dinner, planning a picnic or just grabbing a last-minute card, here’s what to know about the holiday — Austin keeps ranking as one of the best places to celebrate.—
Katey Psencik,
Austin American Statesman,
14 Feb. 2026
-
Many higher-ranking staff started in the program and now help others.—
Miranda Dunlap,
jsonline.com,
13 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Breaking down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/breaking%20down. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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