1
as in stops
to bring (as an action or operation) to an immediate end
the judge broke off court proceedings until after lunch
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in ends
to come to an end
talks between the two sides broke off when one began making unreasonable demands
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of breaks off
Mahama breaks off in exasperation.
—
Charlie Campbell, Time, 30 Oct. 2025
The scene where ‘80s teen Marty McFly borrows a scooter from a bewildered ‘50s kid and breaks off the handles to make a skateboard is one of the film’s most iconic moments.
—Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2025
Second, the flowing glacier brings more ice forward to replace what breaks off, slowing the cliff’s inland retreat and making a chain reaction of cliff toppling less likely.
—Evan Howell, Quanta Magazine, 20 Oct. 2025
The fragmentary Ni 12501 tablet from the Early Dynastic III period of Mesopotamia breaks off when Fox deceives the inhabitants of the netherworld in his quest to retrieve the storm god Ishkur.
—Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025
Charlie Campbell, Time, 30 Oct. 2025
The scene where ‘80s teen Marty McFly borrows a scooter from a bewildered ‘50s kid and breaks off the handles to make a skateboard is one of the film’s most iconic moments.
—Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2025
Second, the flowing glacier brings more ice forward to replace what breaks off, slowing the cliff’s inland retreat and making a chain reaction of cliff toppling less likely.
—Evan Howell, Quanta Magazine, 20 Oct. 2025
The fragmentary Ni 12501 tablet from the Early Dynastic III period of Mesopotamia breaks off when Fox deceives the inhabitants of the netherworld in his quest to retrieve the storm god Ishkur.
—Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for breaks off
Verb
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The elevator stops at each floor and a new ghostly guest arrives offering some insight into Will’s plan.—
Amber McBride,
Literary Hub,
5 Nov. 2025
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Some gardeners choose to pinch those old flowers away every day to enhance the look of their plants, while others decide to wait until the entire flower scape stops blooming to cut the scape stem down to the soil line.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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But Duffy said air traffic controllers probably wouldn’t return to work right away, even if the shutdown ends.—
Emma Tucker,
CNN Money,
8 Nov. 2025
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From arts and history to beaches and boardwalks, these four coastal towns are worth a visit after the busy season ends.—
Gabi De la Rosa,
Southern Living,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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In a filing on Friday, the nearly-defunct federal body sought summary judgment in NPR’s lawsuit against the organization over its decision to appropriate funding for satellite distribution to a select group of NPR member stations before the CPB ceases operations.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
27 Oct. 2025
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The motor disengages or ceases to function when the brakes are applied or the throttle is released.—
Natalie Davies,
Freep.com,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Even if the tenant had a long-term lease, the estate is still legally responsible for the rent until the lease expires.—
Lew Sichelman,
Miami Herald,
31 Oct. 2025
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The retailer's most popular coupon, the 20% Big Blue coupon, which never expires, also remains valid.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
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This designation halts outpatient and elective procedures and ensures more beds are open for emergencies.—
Briana Waxman,
CNN Money,
24 Oct. 2025
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Park websites and social media accounts also go dark, fire management plans are paused, and wildlife tracking halts midseason.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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When the investigation concludes, the DA's office will present the findings to a grand jury to determine whether charges will be filed.—
Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
2 Nov. 2025
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The three major indexes are still all tracking to end the month — which concludes with today’s closing bell — in the green.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Many girls and women have turned to online education being offered by organizations in other countries, but the nationwide blackout now cuts off their access to that, too.—
Chantelle Lee,
Time,
30 Sep. 2025
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For males, this means a vasectomy, which is a surgical procedure that cuts off the supply of sperm to the semen.—
Kelly Burch Published,
Verywell Health,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In California, Gavin Newsom‘s presidential ambitions stand to get a boost if his redistricting initiative, Proposition 50, passes.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
4 Nov. 2025
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The trail passes through burn areas from massive wildfires, now sprinkled with young lodgepole pines and wildflowers.—
Outside,
Outside,
4 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Breaks off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/breaks%20off. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.
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