Thesaurus results for BREAKING POINT

breaking point

noun

Definition of breaking point

as in crisis

a time or state of affairs requiring prompt or decisive action tensions between the two nations had risen to the breaking point

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 breaking point John Furner, the CEO of Walmart, says that even wealthier shoppers are going to the budget grocery chain as high prices stretch family finances to a breaking point. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 8 June 2026 In 1973 the strained relationship between Kemper and his mother reached a breaking point. — Nick Tabor, Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 June 2026 Hugh Jackman has reportedly reached his breaking point with the ongoing drama surrounding his split from ex-wife Deborra-Lee Furness. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 1 June 2026 What's the price increase breaking point for shoppers? — Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for breaking point

Recent Examples of Synonyms for breaking point

Noun

These crises emphasize that public health demands sustained public trust, transparent communication, robust investment in surveillance, and strong global partnerships to proactively address infectious disease threats.

— Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 24 July 2026
The alleged purpose of the bill is to improve the retention of police and firefighters, but evidence shows there isn’t a retention crisis among these employees.

— Zachary Christensen, Oc Register, 24 July 2026

Definition of crisis

Noun

Temperatures don’t need to hit boiling point for productivity losses to start showing.

— Oliver Balch, Fortune, 27 July 2026
The entry documents the boiling point over divisions within the White House communications operation concerning the pandemic, and how desperately Fauci wanted to continue appearing in front of cameras.

— Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 27 July 2026

Definition of boiling point

Noun

For Luis Javier Santos, the former head of UFERCO who investigated the case against Hernández, the former leader’s return represents a failure to prosecute him for his crimes, rather than a chance for justice.

— ABC News, ABC News, 26 July 2026
Stab wounds vary from the stomach, head and kidney areas, according to dispatch audio reviewed by The Sacramento Bee.

— Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 26 July 2026

Definition of head

Noun

The legendary talk show vet takes EW inside the pop cultural flash point that was his and wife Connie Chung’s attempts in the early 1990s to have a child.

— Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 22 July 2026
Amid noise, close quarters, and rigid routines, interactions become flash points.

— Jordan Rau, NPR, 19 July 2026

Definition of flash point

Cite this Entry

Style

“Breaking point.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/breaking%20point. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of breaking point

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

sultry

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly

Popular in Wordplay

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes