breaks out

Definition of breaks outnext
present tense third-person singular of break out
as in erupts
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

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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 breaks out Occasionally, an argument breaks out about who ate the last slice of baloney in the refrigerator. Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 20 Mar. 2026 Episode 2 starts with another flashback to young Nolan’s life on Viltrum when the Scourge Virus breaks out. Jordan Moreau, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026 In other words, there could still be meaningful upside runway if the stock eventually breaks out and follows a path similar to prior advances. Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2026 When war breaks out, many insurers trigger what are known as standard war-risk cancellation clauses, according to Jungman at Vortexa. Alexander Smith, NBC news, 11 Mar. 2026 Body camera video shows Graham running from the deputy as a struggle breaks out. Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 23 Jan. 2026 At times, yes, when a football match breaks out between all of those stoppages. Oliver Kay, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025 Continue reading … POLITICS SENATE SHOWDOWN – Yelling match breaks out in Senate hearing with former Biden official over ‘two spirit’ safe spaces. FOXNews.com, 1 Oct. 2025 Packing a tent, space blanket, tarp and bivy can help you be prepared if severe weather breaks out or your plan takes a turn. Daniella Segura, Sacbee.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for breaks out
Verb
  • Controversy erupts at Yale as damning letter from legendary coach leaks.
    , FOXNews.com, 24 Mar. 2026
  • Instead, conflict frequently erupts over social and political differences emerging from foundational values and identities.
    Eranda Jayawickreme, The Conversation, 24 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The main weapon that the Ukrainians had used to inflict this damage was the suicide drone, which costs about $400 to make and explodes on impact.
    Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Characters will die and the entire lab sometimes explodes, only for things to snap back to normal in the very next episode.
    Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Breaks out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/breaks%20out. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.

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