1
as in to retreat
to hasten away from something dangerous or frightening
the ground soldiers bugged out just before the start of the aerial bombing
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to depart
to leave a place often for another
the strange visitor bugged out without so much as saying a word
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bug out
In the clip, Crosby's eyes bug out as his head goes from shoulder-to-shoulder watching the ball successfully go in.
—
Anne Erickson, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
Sealing cracks, maintaining your yard, and using insect barriers are the most effective ways to keep boxelder bugs out.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Oct. 2025
Her baby's father answered the door with his eyes bugging out, and Frierson barged in to find two other guys, needles, spoons and powder on the table.
—Brad Schmitt, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025
The clear lids have a tight seal that locks the temperature in and keeps the fire ants and love bugs out.
—Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 19 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bug out
Anne Erickson, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
Sealing cracks, maintaining your yard, and using insect barriers are the most effective ways to keep boxelder bugs out.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Oct. 2025
Her baby's father answered the door with his eyes bugging out, and Frierson barged in to find two other guys, needles, spoons and powder on the table.
—Brad Schmitt, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025
The clear lids have a tight seal that locks the temperature in and keeps the fire ants and love bugs out.
—Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 19 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bug out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bug out
Verb
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Totality ends and the umbra gradually retreats across the lunar surface.—
Ryan Brennan,
Kansas City Star,
19 Feb. 2026
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Totality ends and the process reverses, with the umbra gradually retreating across the lunar surface.—
Ryan Brennan,
Miami Herald,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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And now Salloi departs Kansas City as one of the greatest to ever wear a Sporting KC kit.—
Daniel Sperry,
Kansas City Star,
20 Feb. 2026
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The former prince was spotted departing the Aylsham Police Station in Aylsham, England, as seen in an image obtained by Reuters.—
Kim Hjelmgaard,
USA Today,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Aljorna, the affidavit claimed, hit a light pole before fleeing from the car, with an ICE agent chasing him on foot toward the home.—
Emma Tucker,
CNN Money,
15 Feb. 2026
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Several tankers fled the Venezuelan coast in the wake of the raid, including the ship that was boarded in the Indian Ocean overnight.—
Ben Finley,
Fortune,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Fifteen people seeking to exit a popular backcountry zone off Interstate 80, often explored by beginners and advanced skiers alike, were caught in a massive avalanche that stretched the length of a football field.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
19 Feb. 2026
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The spokesperson said City Cruises has no plans to exit other ports.—
Lorraine Mirabella,
Baltimore Sun,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Eco effort La Sultana Oualidia’s planet-friendly approach prioritizes a dynamic impact on its local environment without ever feeling showy, and many of their most meaningful initiatives may fly under the radar even for guests.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 Feb. 2026
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City facilities were lit in blue and red overnight, the city's flag will fly at half-staff all day and three wreaths will be on display at City Hall for 24 hours.—
Anthony Bettin,
CBS News,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Montage founder, Alan Fuerstman, personally moves into every new property for its first month of operations to ensure the brand’s signature five-star service is up to snuff.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 Feb. 2026
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The players could feel the former United and Wales winger starting to move up the gears.—
Andy Mitten,
New York Times,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Additionally, peppers can offer a bit of afternoon shade to your lettuce plants, slowing down bolting and prolonging harvest.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 Feb. 2026
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Dallas Area Rapid Transit has approved a six-year funding compromise designed to keep its 13 member cities from bolting the system, offering to return a portion of its sales tax revenue in exchange for stability.—
Giles Hudson,
CBS News,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Officials are also trying to make sure that the electronic logging devices drivers use are accurate, and that states are following all the regulations to ensure drivers are qualified to get commercial licenses.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
21 Feb. 2026
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Book recalls Epstein's threat to harm her brother At 16, Roberts Giuffre got a job as a locker room attendant at a nearby resort, Mar-a-Lago, where her father was a maintenance man.—
Laura Trujillo,
USA Today,
21 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bug out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bug%20out. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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