BREAKING OFF Synonyms: 106 Similar and Opposite Words

breaking off

verb

present participle of break off

as in ending

to bring (as an action or operation) to an immediate end the judge broke off court proceedings until after lunch

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in stopping

to come to an end talks between the two sides broke off when one began making unreasonable demands

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 off Now, though, some branches are breaking off. — Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026 In November 1987, after breaking off her engagement with Estevez, Moore married Bruce in Las Vegas. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 21 June 2026 Work is continuing to try to stabilize the Pacifica Municipal Pier, which began cracking at its base on June 4 and is now in danger of breaking off and falling into the water. — John Ramos, CBS News, 16 June 2026 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, The Conversation, 16 June 2026 Among efforts—three engagements to women that ended up breaking off. — Cathy Applefeld Olson, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026 Honduras established diplomatic ties with China in 2023 after breaking off relations with Taiwan. — ABC News, 8 May 2026 Filed by First Nations groups in Alberta, the lawsuit argues that the province breaking off from Canada would violate treaty rights. — Chantelle Lee, Time, 5 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for breaking off

Verb

Dudinha had five goals and four assists in 13 matches before suffering a season-ending knee injury while playing for her native Brazil on June 9.

— Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 July 2026
Barnes is currently a member of the Park Hill School District school board, starting her tenure in 2022 and ending it in 2028.

— Sophie Lindberg July 27, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026

Definition of ending

Verb

With the rain ceasing by Saturday evening, however, many suburbs went on with their fireworks as planned.

— Pioneer Press, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Kraken, one of the oldest crypto exchanges in the global industry, is ceasing on World Cup fever and drawing parallels between soccer fans and ‘hodlers’ in their promotions.

— Cleve Mesidor, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026

Definition of ceasing

Verb

Mora is returning to Liga MX and likely to join Atlético San Luis with his MLS contract expiring.

— ABC News, ABC News, 26 July 2026
The Toronto Blue Jays face a disappointing season, potentially selling off expiring contracts at the trade deadline after last year's AL pennant.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026

Definition of expiring

Verb

That followed the exchange's sell-side sidecar on the Kospi earlier Tuesday, temporarily halting program trading for 5 minutes.

— Joseph Wilkins,Justina Lee,Sarah Min, CNBC, 27 July 2026
As Ebola cases in eastern Congo near 3,000 with more than 1,300 deaths, unpaid health workers strike at a key treatment center, halting care in the outbreak’s epicenter.

— Prosper Heri Ngorora, Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2026

Definition of halting

Verb

In 2022, Albania expelled Iranian diplomats after concluding that Tehran was behind a wave of cyberattacks aimed at government institutions and critical infrastructure.

— Isaac Stanley-Becker, The Atlantic, 23 July 2026
Saturday introduces Generation 816, a youth initiative that pairs a talent showcase with community resources, before concluding with an evening collaboration at Vine Street Brewing Co.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2026

Definition of concluding

Verb

Taking it with you prevents it from winding up in the ocean, or in the mouths of wildlife.

— Susan B. Barnes, Southern Living, 14 July 2026
Some tea strainers feature a mesh casing, which is the best option for preventing small particles from escaping the infuser and winding up in your drink.

— BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026