breaking out

present participle of break out
as in erupting
to develop suddenly and violently in the wake of news reports of deaths from the flu, panic broke out, and there was a mad rush for flu shots

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 out And despite years of trying to stop the war from breaking out in Yemen, the pressure Trump imposed on Iran was expected to eventually trigger a Houthi push on the kingdom. — Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2026 Since breaking out in the tween-friendly Twilight saga twenty years ago, Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson have each transformed themselves into Hollywood’s most arthouse-friendly weirdos. — Nate Jones, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2026 The dispute led to a fight breaking out, during which police allege 47-year-old Victor Rivera Hartford stabbed Tellado. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 31 Aug. 2026 But there’s a universal element that all young adult actors must contend with — breaking out of the space. — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 21 Aug. 2026 Another warehouse belonging to the Russian e-commerce giant Wildberries was also attacked to the east of Moscow, Vorobyov said, with a fire breaking out at the facility. — David Brennan, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026 Elevated energy prices in the wake of the Middle East conflict breaking out months ago have raised concerns about inflationary pressures, though the latest batch of mild inflation data has offered some reassurance to investors. — Sean Conlon,hugh Leask, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026 After celebrating, a video posted by BBC Sport showed the Belgian squad huddling together to bask in their victory, before breaking out into dance. — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026 Frustration is boiling over, and fights are breaking out between people struggling to buy rationed supplies of gasoline. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 27 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for breaking out
Verb
  • For his final marathon in Sicily, Manson ran as Mount Etna was erupting and spewing lava.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Or Rams coach Jim Mora erupting on Tyson Summers, stripping him of his responsibilities during the game, leading the former defensive coordinator to exit the stadium at halftime?
    — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 5 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Carousel music mixed with the thunderous roar of roller coaster carts exploding through dizzying loops and heart-stopping drops.
    — Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The team that finished 24th in the league in runs scored, exploding for seven runs in game one of the ALCS against one of the best pitching staffs in baseball.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Breaking out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/breaking%20out. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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