broken in

past participle 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 broken in While his Emmy streak was broken in 2024 by The Traitors‘ Alan Cumming, RuPaul’s success goes beyond awards season. Mckinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 21 June 2026 Ground was broken in Arlington Heights at the site of the new horse racing track, then known as Arlington Park, which was expected to cost $2 million to complete. Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2026 In his right leg, Adin's tibia bone was broken in half and protruded through the skin. Lexi Lane, PEOPLE, 7 June 2026 My right leg was broken in three places which required surgical repair and a permanent titanium rod implanted along my tibia bone. Michael Miller, New York Daily News, 22 May 2026 Samuelsson’s stick had broken in front of his own net and Arvidsson pounced. Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026 Right now, our hearts are broken in a way that words can’t fully express. Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 6 Apr. 2026 Indoors, opt for light traps, sticky traps, and bug catchers that can capture those who have broken in. Alora Bopray, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026 On Friday, March 20, daily temperature records were broken in Downtown Los Angeles, where a temperature of 96 degrees was recorded, breaking a record of 93 from 1997. Sierra Van Der Brug, Oc Register, 21 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for broken in
Verb
  • Hundreds were killed, and Israel invaded parts of Lebanon.
    Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2026
  • Since Russia first invaded the country, drones have become a key part of Ukraine’s strategy, aiming at undermining the Russian army’s logistics operations.
    Alex Knapp, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
Verb
  • Avoid arguments later in the day, especially if your home routine is interrupted.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 26 June 2026
  • Advertisement But Kara's party-time is interrupted by the arrival of a tough teenage girl who’s out for vengeance.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Phillies starter Zack Wheeler dominated — with help from center fielder Derek Hill, whose jaw-dropping catch robbed Juan Soto of a home run — to spoil interim manager Andy Green’s in-dugout Mets debut.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 27 June 2026
  • Then came the Covid-19 pandemic, which robbed the world of connection and never fully gave it back.
    Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 27 June 2026
Verb
  • The disparity means looming Social Security benefits cuts in 2032 would more deeply impact women, who already collect less than men each year.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 23 June 2026
  • The bureau projects that water levels in Mead will recover for a few months before plunging downward again in March — and staying below the level needed to avoid severe cuts in power production until at least April 2028, when Reclamation's projections end.
    Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 21 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Broken in.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/broken%20in. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.

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