broke out

past tense of break out
as in erupted
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 broke out The fire, which broke out on Sunday night, killed at least 32 people and left more than 70 injured, 24 of whom are still in critical condition, according to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. ABC News, 15 July 2026 In October 2023, when Hamas broke out of Gaza and murdered hundreds of Israelis, most of them civilians, Netanyahu looked done for. Ian Bremmer, Time, 14 July 2026 Another takeover involving more than 300 teens happened on Saturday at the boardwalk in University City, where multiple fights broke out. Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2026 The fire broke out June 17 and raged for eight days, sending a massive amount of smoke into the atmosphere and prompting warnings for nearby residents to stay inside. City News Service, Daily News, 8 July 2026 In Aubervilliers, a Paris suburb, the doors gave way under the pressure of the crowd, and fights broke out among shoppers. CNN Money, 7 July 2026 Three people were killed in two separate shootings that broke out at a pair of Fourth of July block parties in Compton. Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026 Iran is pressing the United Nations to recognize its authority over parts of the Strait of Hormuz, the waterway at the center of global attention since war broke out in the region in February. Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 7 July 2026 Sources told the outlet the group later stopped at a gas station, where a fight allegedly broke out. Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 7 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for broke out
Verb
  • About 400 firefighters worked to contain the flames, which erupted just ahead of a July 14 national holiday and on the first major weekend for departures for the summer holiday season.
    CBS News, CBS News, 13 July 2026
  • The Cape Verde supporters also erupted in the 62nd minute when their beloved 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha denied Messi at point-blank range.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026
Verb
  • Even as blue-collar wages increased, housing prices in most parts of the country exploded, keeping many Latinos who had been saving up locked out of the market.
    Jack Herrera, New Yorker, 14 July 2026
  • For one, the Men’s World Cup in the North America has exploded interest in American soccer — a fact that has been written about relentlessly in the past few months.
    Alex Zietlow July 14, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Broke out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/broke%20out. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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