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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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
Still, the Cubs broke out the bats yesterday, and Pete Crow-Armstrong looks like the five-tool player from the first half of last season. David Troy, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2026 Anticipating that war might break out, the couple had already purchased tickets to fly to Istanbul on February 23 to stay in a friend’s apartment. Elaine Pofeldt, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026
Noun
Those dynamics were already visible when prediction markets emerged as the Super Bowl's breakout winners this year. Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026 The biggest breakout, however, came from Zach Neto, who reinforced Manager Kurt Suzuki’s decision to keep him in the leadoff spot despite a 4-for-30 slump. Mark Gonzales, Oc Register, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for break out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for break out
Verb
  • Manager Dave Roberts, who looked down at his card when the throw was in the air, was already thinking through extra innings when the crowd erupted again.
    Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026
  • The current unrest first erupted in May after Paz cut long-standing fuel subsidies to shrink the deficit.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • There were few escape attempts because of the remote location of the state.
    Helaine Williams, Arkansas Online, 20 June 2026
  • The rebrand is still finding its footing as businesses learn how to balance a peaceful escape into farmland with a bustling tourism industry.
    Delia Rose Sauer, Miami Herald, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • Online sales boomed and Nekhala said his business exploded.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 24 June 2026
  • Software engineers have arguably been the first class of workers to see the technology upend their jobs, as programming tools like Anthropic’s Claude Code and OpenAI’s Codex have exploded in popularity.
    Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • None of the participating athletes have to pay for their flights.
    Zach Wichter, USA Today, 25 June 2026
  • Donaldson auditioned for the Heat earlier this month after taking a red-eye flight from San Francisco.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026

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“Break out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/break%20out. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.

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