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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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
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of break out
Caitlin McFall, Fox News, 19 Nov. 2024
When a smile creeps across Shaw’s face, there’s something just off enough to cause goosebumps to break out on your forearms.
—Jen Chaney, Vulture, 14 Nov. 2024
Matt Grobar, Deadline, 20 Nov. 2024
Leaving 2024 and entering new territory, Laila! is moving forward, and taking notes from her own breakout record, some things will just be left behind.
—Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 19 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for break out 
Verb
Sweden on Monday issued pamphlets to millions giving directions on what to do in the event that war breaks out or the nation is hit with an unexpected crisis.
—Caitlin McFall, Fox News, 19 Nov. 2024
When a smile creeps across Shaw’s face, there’s something just off enough to cause goosebumps to break out on your forearms.
—Jen Chaney, Vulture, 14 Nov. 2024
Noun
Consistently building in her career since her breakout turn in Alexander Payne’s Downsizing, Chau is coming off of turns in Apple’s hit Doug Liman caper The Instigators, Yorgos Lanthimos’s Kinds of Kindness, Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City, and Netflix’s The Night Agent.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 20 Nov. 2024
Leaving 2024 and entering new territory, Laila! is moving forward, and taking notes from her own breakout record, some things will just be left behind.
—Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 19 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for break out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for break out
Verb
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Applause erupts at the string of performances, including an impressive handbell ensemble who mastered many holiday sing-along tunes.Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 1 Dec. 2024
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Tom Cruise, equal parts mettle and dazzle, erupts with a fully fleshed lead performance that should finally bring him his just due as an actor, while Jack Nicholson forges a terrific performance as an ironpants militarist.Duane Byrge, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Since 9/11, the United States has embraced perpetual war from which there is no escape but for the collapse of the American empire like its predecessors.Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 29 Nov. 2024
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Several Nashville record stores are participating with special events, including The Groove, Vinyl Tap and The Great Escape.Adam Tamburin, Axios, 27 Nov. 2024
Verb
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The Cybertruck caught fire and fully burned, but the Piedmont Police Department told KRON the vehicle's battery did not explode or burst into flames.Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 27 Nov. 2024
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Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson threw two touchdowns – one apiece to Mark Andrews and Rashod Bateman – and ran for another as Baltimore exploded on offense after the Chargers had raced into a 10-0 lead at SoFi Stadium.Ben Morse, CNN, 26 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Pair them with the matching sweatshirt for those last-minute flights, then layer with a tailored jacket for an effortlessly polished look.Brittany Romano, Glamour, 2 Dec. 2024
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For a tasting flight, my top recommendation is Roblar Farm ($25 for five wines); order outside on the patio and consider trying some incredible farm-to-table dishes with your wine.Chelsee Lowe, Travel + Leisure, 2 Dec. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Break out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/break%20out. Accessed 7 Dec. 2024.
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