break out 1 of 2

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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
Here are five effective ways to break out of your workplace rut and bring energy back to your daily grind. Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 22 June 2025 Protests have broken out decrying not just the wedding but tourism in general ruining the City of Canals. Bethy Squires, Vulture, 22 June 2025
Noun
Other times, a cocktail of regional relevance and audience connection can lead to a breakout. Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 19 June 2025 As Lou Christie, his breakout hit came with the 1962 single ‘The Gypsy Cried’, which reached No. 24 on the Billboard Hot 100. Glenn Garner, Deadline, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for break out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for break out
Verb
  • When their faces appear on the billboard, which towers above the Disney Store, the crowd erupts.
    Avery Stone, HollywoodReporter, 20 June 2025
  • The war between Israel and Iran erupted June 13, with Israeli airstrikes targeting nuclear and military sites, top generals and nuclear scientists.
    David Rising, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • Does travel allow for any form of escape from memory, or is escape impossible?
    Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 15 June 2025
  • Related article Millions of protesters are expected at ‘No Kings’ rallies nationwide as President Trump’s military parade takes place on his 79th birthday The escape comes amid escalating nationwide protests against federal immigration enforcement.
    Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 13 June 2025
Verb
  • The 30,000-pound bombs burrow deep into the earth before exploding.
    Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 25 June 2025
  • The number of craft breweries exploded from around 1,500 to over 5,000.
    Joe Chura, Rolling Stone, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • Two months earlier, Starship’s eighth flight test ended in another rocket explosion, which led planes to be grounded at several Florida airports.
    Kirsty Hatcher, People.com, 19 June 2025
  • That loss was its third consecutive setback after flights in January and March were cut short just minutes after takeoff when the spacecraft exploded over the Gulf of Mexico, sending debris raining down from the sky and disrupting air travel.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 19 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Break out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/break%20out. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on break out

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!