Synonyms of break
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as in to disrupt 
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as in to stop
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as in to reduce
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as in to decipher
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as in to pause
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as in to plow
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as in to violate
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as in to solve
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as in to damage
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as in to die
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as in to retreat
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as in to wear
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as in to circulate
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as in to ruin
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as in to begin
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as in to veer
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as in to depress
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as in to exceed
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as in to surface
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as in disrupted
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as in ended
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as in demoted
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as in deciphered
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as in paused
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as in plowed
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as in violated
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as in solved
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as in damaged
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as in died
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as in retreated
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as in wore
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as in circulated
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as in ruined
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as in began
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as in veered
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as in reduced
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as in exceeded
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as in surfaced
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as in fractured
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as in stopped
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as in degraded
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as in cracked
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as in interrupted
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as in raked
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as in breached
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as in resolved
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as in hurt
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as in stalled
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as in bolted
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as in worn
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as in unfolded
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as in bankrupted
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as in originated
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as in cut
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as in sunk
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as in invaded
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as in emerged
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as in pause
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as in vacation
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as in gap
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as in opportunity
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as in accident
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as in escape
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as in poor
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as in shattered
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as in jagged
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as in uneven
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Example Sentences
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Phrases Containing
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Entries Near
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Related Articles
1
as in to disrupt
to cause to separate into pieces usually suddenly or forcibly
hated telling her that I had broken her favorite glass vase
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to stop
to bring (as an action or operation) to an immediate end
the final vote broke the deadlock
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to reduce
to bring to a lower grade or rank
the captain was broken to lieutenant commander for disobeying a direct order from his group commander
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to decipher
to change (as a secret message) from code into ordinary language
Alan Turing and the Bletchley Park mathematicians broke the Enigma code being used by the Nazis
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to pause
to come to a temporary halt in one's activity
she broke from her ruminations to find that it was already dinnertime
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
7
as in to violate
to fail to keep
had to confess that he had broken his promise not to share their conversation with anyone
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
8
as in to solve
to find an answer for through reasoning
Professor Bates broke the problem when she realized that it was possible to synthesize the necessary compounds
Synonyms & Similar Words
9
as in to damage
to reduce the soundness, effectiveness, or perfection of
I broke a tooth on the hard candy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
10
as in to die
to stop functioning
after working for 30 years, the pump simply broke one day
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
11
as in to retreat
to hasten away from something dangerous or frightening
the herd of gazelles broke when they saw the lions racing toward them from the ridge above
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
12
as in to wear
to use up all the physical energy of
the trek up the mountain just about broke me
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
13
as in to circulate
to become known
as soon as the scandal broke, the CEO fled the country
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
14
15
as in to begin
to come into existence
the crisis had passed, and a new day was breaking
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
16
as in to veer
to depart abruptly from a straight line or course
the running back broke to his left before running out of bounds
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
17
as in to depress
to diminish the price or value of
distressing economic news that will break many energy stocks
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
18
as in to exceed
to go beyond the limit of
a menu with prices that is likely to break the budgets of all but the wealthiest of diners
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in pause
a momentary halt in an activity
there was a brief break after the first movement as the doors to the concert hall were opened and the latecomers were allowed in
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in vacation
a period during which the usual routine of school or work is suspended
most of the students at the boarding school are going home for Christmas break
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in gap
an open space in a barrier (as a wall or hedge)
the rancher repaired the break in the fence where the horse had gotten through
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
5
as in accident
an unexpected benefit or advantage resulting from the uncertain course of events
a guy who just seems to get all the breaks in life
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6
as in escape
the act or an instance of getting free from danger or confinement
a desperate break from that hellhole
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in poor
lacking money or material possessions
too broke to afford even a used car
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in shattered
forcibly separated into many pieces
a broken vase that could not be repaired
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in jagged
having an uneven edge or outline
the broken rim of the antique vase greatly reduces its value
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in uneven
not having a level or smooth surface
that portion of the hiking trail consists of a long, broken mountain ridge
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in disrupted
to cause to separate into pieces usually suddenly or forcibly
hated telling her that I had broken her favorite glass vase
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in ended
to bring (as an action or operation) to an immediate end
the final vote broke the deadlock
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in demoted
to bring to a lower grade or rank
the captain was broken to lieutenant commander for disobeying a direct order from his group commander
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in deciphered
to change (as a secret message) from code into ordinary language
Alan Turing and the Bletchley Park mathematicians broke the Enigma code being used by the Nazis
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in paused
to come to a temporary halt in one's activity
she broke from her ruminations to find that it was already dinnertime
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in plowed
to cut into and turn over the sod of (a piece of land) using a bladed implement
farmers once broke fields with horse-drawn plows
Synonyms & Similar Words
7
as in violated
to fail to keep
had to confess that he had broken his promise not to share their conversation with anyone
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
8
as in solved
to find an answer for through reasoning
Professor Bates broke the problem when she realized that it was possible to synthesize the necessary compounds
Synonyms & Similar Words
9
as in damaged
to reduce the soundness, effectiveness, or perfection of
I broke a tooth on the hard candy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
10
as in died
to stop functioning
after working for 30 years, the pump simply broke one day
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
11
as in retreated
to hasten away from something dangerous or frightening
the herd of gazelles broke when they saw the lions racing toward them from the ridge above
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
12
as in wore
to use up all the physical energy of
the trek up the mountain just about broke me
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
13
as in circulated
to become known
as soon as the scandal broke, the CEO fled the country
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
14
as in ruined
to cause to lose one's fortune and become unable to pay one's debts
another bad investment could break him
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
15
as in began
to come into existence
the crisis had passed, and a new day was breaking
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
16
as in veered
to depart abruptly from a straight line or course
the running back broke to his left before running out of bounds
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
17
as in reduced
to diminish the price or value of
distressing economic news that will break many energy stocks
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
18
as in exceeded
to go beyond the limit of
a menu with prices that is likely to break the budgets of all but the wealthiest of diners
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in fractured
to cause to separate into pieces usually suddenly or forcibly
hated telling her that I had broken her favorite glass vase
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in stopped
to bring (as an action or operation) to an immediate end
the final vote broke the deadlock
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in degraded
to bring to a lower grade or rank
the captain was broken to lieutenant commander for disobeying a direct order from his group commander
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in cracked
to change (as a secret message) from code into ordinary language
Alan Turing and the Bletchley Park mathematicians broke the Enigma code being used by the Nazis
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in interrupted
to come to a temporary halt in one's activity
she broke from her ruminations to find that it was already dinnertime
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in raked
to cut into and turn over the sod of (a piece of land) using a bladed implement
farmers once broke fields with horse-drawn plows
Synonyms & Similar Words
7
as in breached
to fail to keep
had to confess that he had broken his promise not to share their conversation with anyone
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
8
as in resolved
to find an answer for through reasoning
Professor Bates broke the problem when she realized that it was possible to synthesize the necessary compounds
Synonyms & Similar Words
9
as in hurt
to reduce the soundness, effectiveness, or perfection of
I broke a tooth on the hard candy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
10
as in stalled
to stop functioning
after working for 30 years, the pump simply broke one day
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
11
as in bolted
to hasten away from something dangerous or frightening
the herd of gazelles broke when they saw the lions racing toward them from the ridge above
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
12
as in worn
to use up all the physical energy of
the trek up the mountain just about broke me
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
13
as in unfolded
to become known
as soon as the scandal broke, the CEO fled the country
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
14
as in bankrupted
to cause to lose one's fortune and become unable to pay one's debts
another bad investment could break him
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
15
as in originated
to come into existence
the crisis had passed, and a new day was breaking
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
16
as in cut
to depart abruptly from a straight line or course
the running back broke to his left before running out of bounds
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
17
as in sunk
to diminish the price or value of
distressing economic news that will break many energy stocks
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
18
as in invaded
to go beyond the limit of
a menu with prices that is likely to break the budgets of all but the wealthiest of diners
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of break
Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 27 Jan. 2026
The International Bobsled and Skeleton Federation — the sport’s governing body — investigated that race and said no rules were broken.
—Tim Reynolds, Denver Post, 27 Jan. 2026
Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 27 Jan. 2026
Boozer, one of the nation’s top high school recruits, was 0 for 7 from the field and held scoreless in the first half with three rebounds as Duke trailed 33-32 at the break.
—Lia Assimakopoulos, Dallas Morning News, 27 Jan. 2026
Leo Barraclough, Variety, 21 Jan. 2026
Too broke for a sit-down restaurant?
—Allyson Reedy, Denver Post, 14 Jan. 2026
Cal Matters, Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2026
Still, the narrative dominating trading desks was less about long‑term strategy and more about broken expectations.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 27 Jan. 2026
Anna Ortiz, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2026
The two women saw broke, scared Diann alone in the lobby of a motel and invited her to stay with them.
—Lilit Marcus, CNN Money, 31 Jan. 2026
Emily St. Martin, Oc Register, 31 Jan. 2026
Everyone knows rules are broken.
—Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for break
Verb
Emma Bussey is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital.
—Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 27 Jan. 2026
The International Bobsled and Skeleton Federation — the sport’s governing body — investigated that race and said no rules were broken.
—Tim Reynolds, Denver Post, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
The Heat are in the midst of a two-day break, with their schedule resuming Wednesday against the Orlando Magic at Kaseya Center.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 27 Jan. 2026
Boozer, one of the nation’s top high school recruits, was 0 for 7 from the field and held scoreless in the first half with three rebounds as Duke trailed 33-32 at the break.
—Lia Assimakopoulos, Dallas Morning News, 27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
Azamat and Tansholpan are completely broke.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 21 Jan. 2026
Too broke for a sit-down restaurant?
—Allyson Reedy, Denver Post, 14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
This could be a sign of a broken transfer system that might be remedied if more colleges could offer bachelor’s degrees.
—Cal Matters, Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2026
Still, the narrative dominating trading desks was less about long‑term strategy and more about broken expectations.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
With the support of Lake County leaders, John Deere recently broke ground at 234 acres of farmland just southwest of Interstate 65 and Indiana 2.
—Anna Ortiz, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2026
The two women saw broke, scared Diann alone in the lobby of a motel and invited her to stay with them.
—Lilit Marcus, CNN Money, 31 Jan. 2026
Verb
My heart is broken for her family, her loved ones, and everyone who adored her, both here in Canada and around the world.
—Emily St. Martin, Oc Register, 31 Jan. 2026
Everyone knows rules are broken.
—Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for break
Recent Examples of Synonyms for break
Noun
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The White House didn't immediately respond to a query seeking clarity about the scope and timing of any limited pause.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
31 Jan. 2026
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As the officers back away from Pretti, there’s a pause in shooting that lasts just under a second, according to an analysis of the shooting audio by Robert Maher, an audio forensic expert at Montana State University.—
Yahya Abou-Ghazala,
CNN Money,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Longtime Las Vegas visitors liken the decline of buffets to the disappearance of the 99-cent shrimp cocktail, another iconic offering that had contributed to the city’s reputation as an affordable vacation spot.—
Jessica Hill,
Fortune,
31 Jan. 2026
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The vacation was among those cited Friday by Sacramento County sheriff’s Detective Monica Bustamante in a review of personal expenses allegedly charged by Reina, 60, to the NPR affiliate licensed to Sacramento State.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacbee.com,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Its dual mission is to bridge the early-stage funding gap and guarantee global access, ensuring products aren’t confined to wealthy markets for decades but are introduced in low- and middle-income countries in parallel.—
Ana Castelain,
Bloomberg,
28 Jan. 2026
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That gap lies between mathematical modelling and real human perception.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
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More opportunity means more decisions with real downside.—
Melissa Houston,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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Gallup data shows a similar tilt with more Americans viewing AI as a threat rather than opportunity.—
Trevor Laurence Jockims,
CNBC,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Thailand’s largest construction company, which is under investigation for its role in two deadly accidents, won investor approval to restructure its outstanding bonds.—
Anuchit Nguyen,
Bloomberg,
28 Jan. 2026
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On Sunday, Elizabeth Angle, a 16-year-old Frisco student at Wakeland High School, was killed in a sledding accident, authorities said.—
Michael Dorgan,
FOXNews.com,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
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At the time of the escape, the kangaroo was carrying her baby, known as a joey.—
Sophia Compton,
FOXNews.com,
1 Feb. 2026
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Just two hours from Manhattan—and easily accessible via Amtrak—Hudson makes an easy weekend escape for travelers short on time.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Emilee Chinn / Getty Images Activity hit a lull after Edwin Díaz was introduced as the Los Angeles Dodgers’ new closer 26 days ago.—
Katie Woo,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
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Hornick, the diner’s owner, said that despite the Logan Square spot struggling for many months — some days having a two-hour lull without a single customer — servers would turn a switch immediately as the door swung open.—
Zareen Syed,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Apple on Thursday evening reported a blowout holiday quarter, driven by a 23% increase in iPhone sales.—
Jeff Marks,
CNBC,
30 Jan. 2026
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People are spending more time in the gym; zeroing in on wellness and longevity; and even planning their holidays around fitness and wellness offerings.—
Madeleine Schulz,
Vogue,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Break.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/break. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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