1
as in retreating
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 exiting
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 bugging out
Verb
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Three top concerns include elections and political turmoil that threaten progress, companies retreating or staying silent on DEI and ESG goals, and the rise of sustainability reporting that’s (temporarily) taking up companies’ time.—
Andrew Winston,
Harvard Business Review,
20 Dec. 2024 -
Deporting millions of immigrants and retreating from global trade by implementing slogans like America First will not achieve these goals.—
Andy J. Semotiuk,
Forbes,
19 Dec. 2024
Verb
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The bullet entered McCoy’s face on the right side before exiting the left side of his face.—
Gabrielle Rockson,
People.com,
10 Apr. 2025
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The shooting Saturday in Pocatello outraged the boy's family and neighbors as well as viewers online who questioned why the officers opened fire within about 12 seconds of exiting their patrol cars while making no apparent effort to de-escalate the situation or use less lethal weapons.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Global Refuge told Newsweek that it is encouraged by the White House's statement that no decision has been made, as revoking protections now would signal a concerning shift in America's commitment to those fleeing conflict.—
Tommy Tuberville,
Newsweek,
7 Mar. 2025
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The New York Times reported that in Panama the first flights of these migrants included Christians fleeing persecution in Iran and Chinese nationals seeking asylum.—
Jack Herrera,
The New Yorker,
6 Mar. 2025
Verb
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After the Orioles were swept out of the playoffs without a win for the second straight year, many baseball mavens expected the team to make aggressive off-season trades or free agent signings, especially to help replace departing ace Corbin Burnes and hard-hitting Anthony Santander.—
Paul Bledsoe,
Baltimore Sun,
24 Mar. 2025
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The Bears have ridden their five starters throughout the season — four of which are departing as graduate students.—
Jerry McDonald,
The Mercury News,
22 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Penn State reaffirmed that belief by dismantling SMU and running the ball well against one of the best run defenses in the country.—
Justin Williams,
The Athletic,
31 Dec. 2024
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Enlist the help of a running coach.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
31 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Williams was taken to Blount County Detention Facility, in Maryville, Tennessee, and prosecutors brought an additional charge against him for escaping federal custody.—
Ronan Farrow,
The New Yorker,
24 Mar. 2025
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Reading can be a powerful way of escaping, relaxing and learning more about ourselves.—
Daniel Wine,
CNN,
24 Mar. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Bugging out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bugging%20out. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
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