1
as in fled
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 departed
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bugged out
Verb
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The student then got into a car driven by a second student and the two fled, the university said.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
26 Sep. 2025 -
The striking vehicle fled the scene following the crash, police added.—
Aaron Valdez,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
26 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Ramy Youssef and Josh Rabinowitz, who were credited as co-creators and executive producers when Netflix picked up the series in May 2024, have since departed over creative differences.—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
26 Sep. 2025
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Having left Netflix in August after nearly 14 years at the streamer, Friedlander serves as the successor to Vernon Sanders, who departed as the TV boss earlier in September.—
Selome Hailu,
Variety,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In the clip, the puppy dashed toward his new little friend; at first the Chihuahua retreated, stuck his tongue out and paw up, and then bounded toward him.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Sep. 2025
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Instead of developing arguments or persuading people, both sides have retreated to their silos and erected their own media echo chambers.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
23 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Star wide receiver Malik Nabers exited Sunday’s win with what is believed to be a torn ACL, per The Athletic’s Jeff Howe, putting a damper on the day’s excitement.—
Charlotte Carroll,
New York Times,
29 Sep. 2025
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Star cornerback Jalen Ramsey exited the game with what appears to be a significant hamstring injury.—
James Brizuela,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Scheffler and partner Russell Henley moved along to what would end as a 3&2 defeat, while MacIntyre blew kisses at the crowd.—
Brendan Quinn,
New York Times,
28 Sep. 2025
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Tropical Storm Imelda moved over the Bahamas on Sunday, bringing heavy rain and tropical-storm-force winds to the region as watches and warnings from the National Weather Service (NWS) and National Hurricane Center (NHC) remained in effect for parts of the Bahamas and the east coast of Florida.—
Hollie Silverman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Sep. 2025
Verb
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At the time of their release, the cougars both bolted to freedom after rescuers opened the crates’ doors, photos from the nonprofit show.—
Daniella Segura,
Sacbee.com,
29 Sep. 2025
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But right as the words left Trotter’s mouth, the man bolted down a dirt road.—
TJ Macias,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The shows have been sold out since tickets went on sale in August, and while 30,000 lucky fans for both nights got their hands on tickets, thousands more were left on the outside looking in.—
Joseph Hernandez,
Kansas City Star,
29 Sep. 2025
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The bestselling mule also got some colorful updates in polished patent.—
Martino Carrera,
Footwear News,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
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His peace of mind doesn’t survive the first commute to work, when Alex and Dwayne nearly run over a dirty, barefoot, hysterical boy, Riley (Gage Munroe), who has escaped from TPA.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
25 Sep. 2025
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Cincinnati then escaped with a four-point victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2, despite backup QB Jake Browning tossing three interceptions.—
Max Dible,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Sep. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Bugged out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bugged%20out. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
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