break out 1 of 2

Definition of break outnext
as in to erupt
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

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breakout

2 of 2

noun

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 break out
Verb
Rookies were instructed through stretches and warmups before breaking out into positional drills during the media-viewing portion of rookie minicamp. David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 8 May 2026 But the sixth-year senior didn’t break out until last year at Texas Tech, his fourth college stop after Auburn, USC and Georgia Tech. Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 8 May 2026
Noun
Golov argued that a nuclear-only agreement would leave Iran free to rebuild a missile shield protecting a future nuclear breakout. Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 6 May 2026 There were nearly 150 Canadians on Division I college rosters this past season, including South Carolina’s Agot Makeer — a breakout star in the NCAA Tournament. Doug Feinberg, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for break out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for break out
Verb
  • Days after the intense discourse erupted on social media, Emmy-winning Euphoria makeup artist Donni Davy applauded the look on Instagram.
    Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 8 May 2026
  • Alaniz hit a walk-off home run and flipped his bat as the crowd at Brownwood High School erupted.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 May 2026
Noun
  • The escape, located 100 miles east of Roanoke, hosts a one-night event each June to show visitors its impressive array of flashing insects.
    Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 9 May 2026
  • For Iranian art lovers, the reopening brought an escape from the anxiety of war and a chance to reconnect with culture.
    ABC News, ABC News, 8 May 2026
Noun
  • The most common indulgence by far was alcohol, but many flyers also turn to marijuana edibles and non-prescribed medication to deal with flight jitters.
    Tristan Bove, Fortune, 6 May 2026
  • The man is believed to have traveled on the same flight as one of the two patients evacuated to Johannesburg for treatment in late April.
    Frank Andrews, CBS News, 6 May 2026
Verb
  • While the video game market stood at a whopping $219 billion in 2024, the competition in games has exploded over the past decade or so, with 19,000 games being released in 2023 for consoles and PC, compared to just under 2,000 in 2014, according to data from consulting firm Bain & Company.
    Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 6 May 2026
  • The second one, the one that exploded in Carter’s hands, was round with paper around it and about the size of a baseball.
    Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 6 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Break out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/break%20out. Accessed 11 May. 2026.

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