broke out

Definition of broke outnext
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 But an explosive row broke out between the hierarchy and Nuno, who felt the squad was unequipped for the schedule’s demands. Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026 Authorities confirmed at least six people were injured Wednesday after a shooting broke out during a teenager's funeral in Ferguson, Missouri. Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 29 Jan. 2026 Firefighters are on the scenes of two large fires that broke out early Wednesday morning in the Bronx. Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 28 Jan. 2026 The Gophers fell behind 10-0 and missed their opening nine shots but worked their way to the free-throw line and broke out of their drought from the field to take a 16-12 lead with 11 minutes left in the first half. Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 21 Jan. 2026 Officials said the fire broke out in a second floor apartment in the 800 block of North May Street. Deanese Williams-Harris, Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2026 Protesters banged drums outside a hotel where federal agents were believed to be sleeping, while skirmishes broke out near a federal building. Christopher Cann, USA Today, 15 Jan. 2026 But Adebayo broke out of that slump on Tuesday, for at least one game. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 14 Jan. 2026 The shooting reportedly happened after a fight broke out in the parking lot. Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 8 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for broke out
Verb
  • Los Angeles police arrested multiple violent agitators after issuing dispersal orders as protests erupted across the city Friday evening.
    Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 31 Jan. 2026
  • As Santana’s guitar sang through the that night, the emotional crowd erupted into cheers before joining in unison to sing the lyrics.
    Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 31 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Though the popularity of Black hairstyles like braids has exploded over the past three decades, braids in all of their diverse presentations are more than a stylish hair trend.
    Ambreia Meadows-Fernandez, Parents, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Zverev exploded in anger believing that Alcaraz was suffering only from cramp, and so should not have received a full timeout.
    Eduardo Tansley, New York Times, 30 Jan. 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 2 Feb. 2026.

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