broke in

past tense of break in
1
as in invaded
to enter a house or building by force usually with illegal intent the burglars broke in by smashing a window

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in interrupted
to cause a disruption in a conversation or discussion he rudely broke in to drop the names of several celebrities that he had met

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 broke in The pregnancy news first broke in October 2024, during an episode of The Love Seat podcast hosted by Lauren and Cameron. Jane Lacroix, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 2025 Stacy and her 14-year-old sister, Melissa, were alone in their rural home in Dale, Indiana, when Ward broke in and attacked the teen with a knife. Kristine Phillips, IndyStar, 29 Sep. 2025 The storied legacy began with patriarch Ray Boone, who broke in as an infielder with Cleveland in 1948; followed by his son Bob (1972-1990); and grandsons Bret (1992-2005) and Aaron (1997-2009). Candace Oehler, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025 Leoni’s brother, John, broke in to find their mother dead inside. Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 17 Sep. 2025 The upper floors of the building sat for decades vacant except for squatters who periodically broke in. Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 19 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for broke in
Verb
  • In May 1940, German forces invaded and then occupied the Netherlands, with Belgium and France following shortly thereafter.
    Time, Time, 30 Sep. 2025
  • When Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Victoria Amelina was busy writing a novel, taking part in the country’s literary scene, and parenting her son.
    Nelly Klos September 29, Literary Hub, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Opening Monologue Bad Bunny poked fun at his dance skills before being interrupted by Hamm, 54, showing off his own moves in the audience.
    Nicholas Rice, PEOPLE, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Medicare will not be interrupted by the shutdown because it’s classified as a mandatory government service.
    Sarah Moreno, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Pittsburgh Steelers came out victorious in Ireland, but quarterback Skylar Thompson was reportedly roughed up and robbed two days before their game against the Minnesota Vikings kicked off.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2025
  • All good things must come to an end, and the second-longest winning streak in Twins history ended at 13 games in Milwaukee when Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio robbed Lewis of a potential game-tying homer in the eighth inning.
    Dan Hayes, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Suits were cut in graphic, razor-sharp and slightly boxy silhouettes, or slashed of their sleeves for tuxedo iterations to be worn as evening pieces over shimmering organza shirtdresses.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Stacy's torso was nearly cut in half, her throat was cut to her windpipe and her wrist was slashed to the bone.
    Kristine Phillips, IndyStar, 29 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Broke in.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/broke%20in. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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