Synonyms of break out

break out 1 of 2

verb

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

• erupt
• burst (forth)
• explode
• flare (up)
• blaze (up)
• flame
• swell
• mount
• rocket
• skyrocket
• touch off
• proliferate
• multiply
• wax
• detonate
• mushroom
• snowball
• blow up
• balloon
• burgeon

breakout

2 of 2

noun

ˈbrāk-ˌau̇t 

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

• escape
• flight
• break
• rout
• getaway
• bunk
• rescue
• slip
• liberation
• lam
• redemption
• release
• salvation
• deliverance
• jailbreak
• close call
• close shave
• near miss

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• confinement
• imprisonment
• incarceration
• captivity
• retention
• holding
• custody
• risk
• detention
• trouble
• hold
• internment
• hazard
• jeopardy
• immurement
• peril
• imperilment
• endangerment

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of break out

Verb

Aside from the small role as Pacino, Ippolito first broke out as George Wright in Grand Army and appeared in Purple Hearts, both for Netflix. — Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 16 July 2026

Maybe one of the most interesting data points here is how little faith anyone has in Shemar Stewart to break out. — Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 16 July 2026

Noun

Mensah was asked about the decision at least five times during the Miami Hurricanes’ 45-minute breakout interview session at the ACC Football Kickoff on Wednesday. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026

And of course, Haaland, who is undoubtedly the breakout star of these championships. — Dylan Jones, Robb Report, 16 July 2026