breaks out

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 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
  • The volcano is located on the eastern coast of Sicily and erupts almost continuously, according to the UNESCO World Heritage Convention.
    Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2025
  • When Haidt credits mothers for driving the phone-free movement, the crowd, which has reached a standing-room-only capacity, erupts into applause.
    Rachel Hale, USA Today, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Morrissey explodes the comparatively respectable conventions of prior Frankenstein adaptations by embracing the deranged erotic and fascist implications of building and breeding new life.
    Rory Doherty, Vulture, 20 Oct. 2025
  • The post also included a video showing aerial footage of a fast-moving boat at sea that suddenly explodes.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Breaks out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/breaks%20out. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.

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