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
Relevance
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
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
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
-
Like, say, where the Chiefs looked eager to retreat — the locker room.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Afterward, retreat to the spa’s relaxation lounge—where a glowing copper teardrop floats above cedar banquettes—while next door, the subterranean fitness center boasts Technogym gear and treadmills—all below the waterline.—
Lewis Nunn,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The United dressing room was said to be toxic and fractured when Mourinho departed, with Solskjaer would be the man to repair it.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Lock your home before departing.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Goins, who was accused of fleeing with Debose, pleaded guilty to lesser charges.—
Darcie Moran,
Freep.com,
30 Aug. 2025
-
Some who fled south were putting together tents Friday in the central Gaza Strip, west of the Nuseirat refugee camp.—
Wafaa Shurafa,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
As the two left the stage, Carey and Grande shared another hug and exited together.—
Stacy Lambe,
PEOPLE,
8 Sep. 2025
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His first and only target came mid-way through the second quarter – taking a hit in the ribs and exiting the game.—
Hunter Bailey,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Compost for Life uses black soldier fly larvae to break down organic material.—
Ashley Miznazi,
Miami Herald,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Neutrogena Clean Face Oil-free Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 Recor prefers this oil-free SPF for his face while flying.—
Kristy Alpert,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Officers said — and video showed — the rancher moved his hands into his jacket after exiting his truck immediately following the crash.—
Nicole Blanchard,
Idaho Statesman,
7 Sep. 2025
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The website’s mobile observatory — which moves about in search of clear skies — will this year be in Cyprus, where the partial eclipse phases occur 30 minutes after moonrise, with totality an hour after that.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Cilantro is well adapted as a cool-season herb because the high temperatures of summer cause the plant to bolt and form a seed head.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
5 Sep. 2025
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As a result, their best salespeople bolted and took jobs with their biggest competitor, Best Buy.—
Roberta Matuson,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Those in a market that can buy a version with a SIM tray will get a 3,988mAh battery.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
8 Sep. 2025
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But offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo can manufacture easy touches for Brown to get him in rhythm early.—
Zach Berman,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bug out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bug%20out. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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