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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as in escape
the act or an instance of getting free from danger or confinement
the captives had been planning to stage a breakout at the next change in shift for the guards
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of break out
Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 21 Feb. 2026
And it’s broken out into a public online feud, resulting in a call to boycott the cafe.
—Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 20 Feb. 2026
Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 19 Feb. 2026
The brand’s momentum was attributed to a breakout performance on TikTok, which drove 83 percent of total engagements and positioned Burch at the center of real-time conversation.
—Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for break out
Verb
The trio of Norwegians broke out to an early lead and then continued to build a gap on their chasers.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 21 Feb. 2026
And it’s broken out into a public online feud, resulting in a call to boycott the cafe.
—Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 20 Feb. 2026
Noun
Based on the best selling Christian song of all time, the film became a breakout for Lionsgate with $86 million worldwide against a $7 million budget.
—Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 19 Feb. 2026
The brand’s momentum was attributed to a breakout performance on TikTok, which drove 83 percent of total engagements and positioned Burch at the center of real-time conversation.
—Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for break out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for break out
Verb
-
Angst over the city’s changing demographics has often erupted in Springfield’s city commission meetings, where citizens can speak their mind at an open podium.—
Caitlin Hu,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Do-it-all Detroit superstar Cade Cunningham erupted for 42 points, eight rebounds and 13 assists, bolstering his standing as an MVP candidate.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
After Stockton registered an escape in the second period to extend the lead to 4-0, Dyes was on the brink of swinging the momentum of the match with about 90 seconds left.—
Kyle Newman,
Denver Post,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Smaller studios around the pool lack the same level of privacy but still offer a sweet escape.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The flight departed again and arrived in Atlanta about 90 minutes behind schedule, said Delta, which didn't go into specifics about the passenger's behavior.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
19 Feb. 2026
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The Canadian carrier will operate the flight five times per week year-round, starting May 21, on Embraer E195-E2 aircraft.—
Alex Driggars,
Austin American Statesman,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Since then, the fizzy dance challenge has exploded on TikTok, with tons of fans re-creating the clip’s silly dance moves in their kitchens, parking garages, living rooms, Times Square and hospital corridors.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Red fireworks are then seen exploding over the bridge.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Break out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/break%20out. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.
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