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
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Recent Examples of broke in
News of Christopher’s pending arrival broke in June, when People published photos of Grammer and Walsh, who appeared heavily pregnant at the time.
—
Jami Ganz, Mercury News, 29 Oct. 2025
The brazen daytime heist at the museum last Sunday stunned France, when four men, dressed as workmen, broke in through an upper floor window using a ladder on a moving truck.
—Eleanor Beardsley, NPR, 26 Oct. 2025
News of Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman's divorce broke in September.
—Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2025
News of the Melania doc first broke in January.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2025
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
Jami Ganz, Mercury News, 29 Oct. 2025
The brazen daytime heist at the museum last Sunday stunned France, when four men, dressed as workmen, broke in through an upper floor window using a ladder on a moving truck.
—Eleanor Beardsley, NPR, 26 Oct. 2025
News of Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman's divorce broke in September.
—Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2025
News of the Melania doc first broke in January.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2025
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for broke in
Verb
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Nearly four years later, Russian forces continue to grind along the front lines achieving incremental territorial gains at an extremely high cost, while Ukraine has managed to retake vast areas that Moscow initially invaded.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
26 Jan. 2026
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Pastor says protesters invaded church A Minnesota church targeted by an anti-ICE protest Sunday decried it as unlawful, while one of the protest leaders called for the resignation of a church leader who works at a local ICE office.—
Alanna Durkin Richer,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Makary, an avid podcast guest, has used his airtime to issue devastating takedowns of nutrition education, only to be interrupted by advertisements for unproven dietary supplements.—
Benjamin Mazer,
The Atlantic,
23 Jan. 2026
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The trouble began when members of the Demons of Hell, which is affiliated with the notorious Hells Angels club, interrupted an afternoon memorial being held for a Pagan’s club member in a Lindenhurst bar, according to prosecutors.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Thirty-six years later, I'm being robbed of my father, the man that was there for all of those milestones.—
Sarah Prior,
CBS News,
25 Jan. 2026
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That decision robbed them of valuable reconnaissance on their actual ski line.—
Frederick Dreier,
Outside,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Officials say the district is planning for more budget cuts in the next school year, which plays a role in negotiations.—
Kara St. Cyr,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
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Market pricing now foresees fewer than two full quarter-point rate cuts in the cards for 2026, down from three in November.—
Michael Santoli,
CNBC,
26 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Broke in.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/broke%20in. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
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