Thesaurus results for BREAKS OUT

breaks out

verb

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 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

But in the late winter after the rains, the color green erupts here!

— Jane Arraf, NPR, 25 Feb. 2026
But until this probable turmoil suddenly erupts to the surface of Russia’s closed society, a collapse still remains a Western hope, rather than a strategy.

— Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 24 Feb. 2026