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 The AccuWeather team will be looking for smaller storm cells breaking off of the main line, which would give them freedom to begin rotating and potentially spin off a tornado funnel. Karl Hille, Baltimore Sun, 20 Aug. 2026 Later videos appeared to show the top of the rocket breaking off in flight. Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 14 Aug. 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for breaking off
Verb
  • The administration further proposed ending data collection on racial disparities in school discipline.
    Claire Sibonney, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Pakistan, which played a key role in brokering a 60-day ceasefire in June, sent a high-level delegation to Iran on Monday to discuss ending the war, the military said.
    ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • After stopping for gas, the suspect takes off with the gas nozzle still attached to the bike.
    Julie Sharp, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Like actual religion, to continue on versus stopping becomes a question of faith.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The country was defunding, de-staffing, and ceasing all negotiations with the organization.
    Eli Cahan, Rolling Stone, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The gallery has not specified a timeline for ceasing operations there.
    News Desk, Artforum, 3 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The federal government was required to set new rules for addressing shortages this year because the old rules are expiring.
    Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026
  • This financial setback adds to a critical period for AEW, which faces uncertainties with its WBD TV rights deal expiring in 2028 amid a potential WBD/Paramount+ merger.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The only way to protect our state is by pumping the brakes and halting this consequentially dangerous development.
    Jorge Aguilar, Baltimore Sun, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Some affected grantees sued and a district judge put in place a preliminary injunction halting the termination.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • In 2024, the company wrapped a probe after auditor EY abruptly resigned mid-audit, concluding there was no evidence of fraud or misconduct.
    Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026
  • In all, the study reviewed 485 grievance complaints, concluding that the absence of accountability and transparency keeps conditions of detention, the grievances filed, and their outcome hidden from public scrutiny.
    Vanessa Romo, NPR, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • With the sole funder of the breakaway circuit cutting off the money spigot, it was speculated that LIV, or at least the current version of it, would cease to exist beyond this year.
    Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Beijing has a history of using economic coercion, like cutting off rare-earth exports or restricting market access, as a tool of foreign policy.
    Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The episode isn’t quite done, despite leaving off on an explosive note.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 17 Aug. 2026
  • This does have the effect of, at times, including star NHL players while leaving off players who are still in the minors and have a chance to make the league.
    Corey Pronman, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Breaking off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/breaking%20off. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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