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
Relevance
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
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
Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for breaks off
Verb
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The breakthrough centers on a one-atom-thick filter that stops sulfur chains from clogging up the battery.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
2 Oct. 2025
-
My colleague Hannah Pinski hit the road late last week for a couple campaign stops for Massie alongside Paul, his ally in the Senate.—
Lucas Aulbach,
Louisville Courier Journal,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The crucial monthly jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics was not published Friday and is among the data that will be delayed at least until the government shutdown ends.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
3 Oct. 2025
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The deal ends a legal dispute that began last year when Attorney General Dave Yost sued the school to block the potential sale of books and rare manuscripts from HUC's Klau Library.—
Dan Horn,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
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If an airport ceases service for more than six hours, you may be reimbursed for non-refundable expenses like flights, hotels, prepaid tours, and change fees.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
1 Oct. 2025
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But her story importantly shows us today that when a certain population is being targeted by a state government, few officials parse out the particulars of one’s immigration status—and whether a person is stateless or not ultimately ceases to matter as the crackdowns escalate.—
Time,
Time,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The temporary restraining order expires in 14 days, but the state plans to request an extension, Rayfield said.—
Karina Tsui,
CNN Money,
5 Oct. 2025
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The Dallas Stars are considering a move outside city limits when their lease at American Airlines Center expires in 2031.—
Rob Rossi,
New York Times,
4 Oct. 2025
Verb
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At one point our conversation halts as Bailey gestures toward the window, where two men stroll past arm in arm.—
Olivia-Anne Cleary,
Time,
30 Sep. 2025
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Gun-toting Henry halts the escaping car and holds the nefarious trio at gunpoint.—
Bryan Alexander,
USA Today,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
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This lease is intended to give the company the opportunity to establish a strong presence in the market, and the goal is to secure a permanent location once the residency concludes.—
Lisa Lockwood,
Footwear News,
6 Oct. 2025
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The career-spanning anthology includes the first-ever reissue of their 1973 debut single and concludes with a live recording the final song Lee, Lifeson and Peart played together during the 2015 R40 Tour closer at The Forum.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
6 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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But Democrats want a deal now, and Republicans say nothing can happen until their bill passes.—
Burgess Everett,
semafor.com,
30 Sep. 2025
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As Imelda passes near Bermuda, 2 to 4 inches — 50 to 100 mm — of rainfall is expected from Wednesday into Thursday.—
MIAMI HERALD HURRICANE BOT,
Miami Herald,
30 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Breaks off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/breaks%20off. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
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