breaking off

present participle of break off
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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 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 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
  • In their place remained the only just ending to this tournament.
    Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • Michael Olise set him up twice to break Pele’s assist record from 1970 — the Frenchman’s tally ending as seven in the tournament.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 19 July 2026
Verb
  • The brakes, while cable-operated, do an effective job of slowing and stopping the Vienna.
    William Roberson, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • In Calabria, Costarella of the Civil Protection Department warned that stopping arson would take a societal shift.
    Max Saltman, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
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
Verb
  • Fraudsters send out mass text messages warning about unpaid tolls, expiring car registrations or pending arrests that are designed to scare consumers into providing their credit card information, email credentials or other sensitive data.
    Gabrielle Fonrouge,Scott Zamost,Anna Gleason, CNBC, 17 July 2026
  • That event will trigger the first wave of stock-sale lockups expiring.
    Steve Kopack, NBC news, 16 July 2026
Verb
  • Earlier in the day, the sharp decline in the Kospi prompted the Korea Exchange to activate a sell-side sidecar on the index, temporarily halting program trading.
    Sean Conlon,Hugh Leask,Justina Lee, CNBC, 19 July 2026
  • Turk filed for bankruptcy in June 2025 — halting any litigation from moving forward without permission from the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Kansas.
    Taylor O'Connor July 17, Kansas City Star, 17 July 2026
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
Verb
  • Republicans argued before the vote that cutting off the administration's ability to wage war now would tie their hands.
    Garrett Downs, CNBC, 23 July 2026
  • An 80-pound test fluorocarbon leader prevented the pike from cutting off.
    Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 23 July 2026
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

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Cite this Entry

“Breaking off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/breaking%20off. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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