break out 1 of 2

verb

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

ˈbrāk-ˌau̇t How to pronounce breakout (audio)
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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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
Picking broke out with his turn as Rock Hudson in Ryan Murphy’s Netflix series Hollywood, with additional credits including the Showtime limited series The First Lady and Apple film The Greatest Beer Run Ever from Peter Farrelly. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 21 Aug. 2026 In Solomianskyi district, the top two floors of a nine-story residential building were destroyed and fires broke out on other floors. — Samya Kullab, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Noun
The move comes as Byrne prepares for the Toronto International Film Festival bow of The Julia Set, which stars One Battle After Another breakout Chase Infiniti, along with Jason Isaacs and Gillian Anderson. — Aaron Couch, HollywoodReporter, 21 Aug. 2026 Those with skin prone to irritation or breakouts will also be pleased to know that the serum is sensitive-skin friendly, fragrance free, and suitable for all skin types. — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for break out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for break out
  1. erupt
  2. escape
  3. explode
  4. flight
Verb
  • Its skyline is dominated by towering smokestacks, hulking arrays of metal tubes and bright flames erupting from flares at petrochemical plants in the global plastics supply chain.
    — Michael Hawthorne, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026
  • The Reichstag fire erupted in the German parliament four weeks after Adolf Hitler was sworn in as chancellor in 1933, and was used to justify a sweeping crackdown on political opponents and the suspension of civil liberties — ushering in Nazi rule.
    — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of erupt
Noun
  • Located about 25 minutes outside of Austin, this Texas Hill Country resort delivers a lakefront escape on Lake Travis.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Turquoise lagoons, villas suspended above the Indian Ocean, the promise of almost total escape.
    — Lela London, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of escape
Verb
  • The issue exploding ahead of the midterms, defying traditional party lines.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • In the time since the Freestyle was introduced, the number of specialty beverage chains has exploded, offering customers nearly unlimited ways to customize their drinks, from sugar content to toppings.
    — Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of explode
Noun
  • Responding to three years of airspace violations, Spinu suggested, has allowed Romanian and allied pilots and commanders to study Russian munitions, flight patterns and capabilities -- plus their own abilities in engaging such threats.
    — David Brennan, ABC News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Since December 2025, flights have originated in Alexandria, Louisiana, a hub for ICE deportation flights, with a stop in Miami on the way to Cap-Haitien International Airport.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of flight

Browse Nearby Words

break off (with)
break out
breakout
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Cite this Entry

“Break out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/break%20out. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on break out

Nglish: Translation of break out for Spanish Speakers

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