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

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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
The war in Sudan broke out in April 2023 after long-simmering tensions between the army and RSF erupted into a full-out war. Fatma Khaled, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026 Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria — like South Africa — had been easing monetary policy before the conflict broke out, but chose to hold their lending rates steady in recent weeks. Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 29 May 2026
Noun
First, this breakout is resolving in the direction of the primary trend. Jay Woods, CNBC, 4 June 2026 Leite, 22, is enjoying a breakout season for the surprising Fire (6-4) in her second year on the WNBA circuit. Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for break out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for break out
Verb
  • With California facing increasingly destructive wildfires, experts and officials have long urged the strategic removal of dense, flammable vegetation that can erupt into particularly destructive flames from a lightning bolt or the spark of a power line.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
  • So Arsenal wasn't even playing on May 19, when a tie in a match between Manchester City and AFC Bournemouth meant the overall math ensured the Gunners' victory — and North London erupted into a sea of red Arsenal jerseys.
    Lauren Frayer, NPR, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • The positive impacts of your escape from daily realities are doubled.
    Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 29 May 2026
  • That escape also reveals the profound depths of his narcissism.
    Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • One person was killed and flights were suspended in Kuwait, officials said, after missile and drone strikes, including an attack on its international airport.
    Chantal Da Silva, NBC news, 4 June 2026
  • After spending some time by the pool, a semi-Olympic lined with emerald and malachite mosaics that glinted in the soft, ambient light, followed by a quick trip to the sauna, I was escorted to my treatment room, about a half-flight of stairs up, where I was met by Marcia, my therapist.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026
Verb
  • America’s national parks shine in the summertime, with spectacular mountain passes thawed for the season, sparkling lakes and glittering beaches at the peak of their allure, and blankets of wildflowers exploding into bloom.
    Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026
  • However, a primordial black hole born with a mass of just 1 ton would immediately explode, instantly reaching the Planck mass.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 3 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Break out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/break%20out. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

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