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 vehicle that Routh had fled in — the black Nissan Xterra — also bore a license plate that was not registered to the car, according to the court filing.—
Jay Weaver,
Miami Herald,
5 Sep. 2025 -
Twelve days after Smith fled, authorities received a call that two men had been shot while on a hunting trip near Kiana.—
Emily Blackwood,
PEOPLE,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Glenn Martens for Maison Margiela Succeeding John Galliano—who departed the brand after 10 years in December of 2024—Martens is currently the creative director at both Maison Margiela and Diesel, connected through their parent company OTB Group.—
Elizabeth Grace Coyne,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
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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
Verb
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Gerson believes the gangs have retreated.—
Johnny Fils-Aimé,
Miami Herald,
8 Sep. 2025
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Runner-up Sabalenka, meanwhile, retreated to another area, smashed her racket until the frame buckled and sat with her back against the wall, next to the scratch marks left on the floor.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
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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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Tight end George Kittle and wide receiver Jauan Jennings both exited Sunday's 17-13 season-opening win over the Seattle Seahawks with hamstring and shoulder injuries, respectively, and both didn't return.—
Michael Gallagher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Boise Pride moved the route from the heart of downtown to River Street, between South 13th and 9th streets.—
Sally Krutzig,
Idaho Statesman,
8 Sep. 2025
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Fire crossed Dinkey Creek and moved north toward Oak Flat.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Cal Poly bolted 75 yards on nine plays for its first TD, a 12-yard pass from 6-foot-6 Ty Dieffenbach to Michael Briscoe.—
Don Norcross,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 Aug. 2025
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In the second quarter Friday night, Beatty bolted down the middle of the field to catch Altmyer’s pass.—
Colleen Kane,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Police reported the suspect got into an awaiting black SUV driven by a second suspect, and the pair fled the scene.—
Natalie Neysa Alund,
USA Today,
9 Sep. 2025
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Boise State football got the train back on the tracks last Friday night, torching Eastern Washington 51-14 in the Broncos’ home opener to get to 1-1 on the season.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Two 12-year-old girls escaped the fire.—
Angel Saunders,
PEOPLE,
5 Sep. 2025
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Families escaped to calm waters for canoeing, hiking, and long afternoons spent idling on the shore.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
4 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 9 Sep. 2025.
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