1
as in flies
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 exits
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 bugs out
The gazebo also includes transparent panels designed to keep pesky bugs out without obstructing the breeze or your views.
—
Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026
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
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
Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bugs out
Verb
-
An Israeli flag flies over the medieval Beaufort Castle, known locally as Qalaat al-Shaqif or Shaqif Arnoun.—
Reuters,
NBC news,
1 June 2026
-
The Air Force's 53rd Weather Reconnaissance squadron flies 10 Super Hercules aircraft out of Biloxi, Mississippi.—
Scott Withers,
CBS News,
31 May 2026
Verb
-
Prosecutors say Hudson exits the cabin and looks left and right down the hallway.—
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten,
FOXNews.com,
27 May 2026
-
All ramps and exits along the 22 Freeway are open in the area.—
Kevin Sablan,
Oc Register,
26 May 2026
Verb
-
Her 50-something protagonist, Alan Anderson, and his socially striving wife Vivian, are at least about to start thinking about where their family is going to go, once Alan retreats to a backyard playhouse.—
Bethanne Patrick,
Los Angeles Times,
1 June 2026
-
So, when legal education retreats from explicit commitments to access and representation, the consequences aren't limited to law schools.—
Janice Gassam Asare,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2026
Verb
-
Lewandowski departs on the same day Rashford’s loan deal ends as well, meaning there’s a vacant number 9 spot though that could be filled by Julian Alvarez.—
Tom Sanderson,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2026
-
The train, which departs every Wednesday, is limited to 22 passengers and everyone is guaranteed a window seat.—
Lauren David,
Travel + Leisure,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
But in his book, the narrator flees from the illustrated man.—
Andrea Flores,
Los Angeles Times,
22 May 2026
-
Margot goes to summon Professor Virgile, but the woman flees in her absence.—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
As the federal government’s immigration crackdown moves closer to the Bay Area, about 100 people gathered Saturday afternoon at the Mexican Heritage Plaza in East San Jose to protest plans to build a detention center in Gilroy.—
Molly Gibbs,
Mercury News,
31 May 2026
-
The Boroughs stars Molina as Sam Cooper, a retired engineer who moves to the village after the death of his wife.—
Graham Hillard,
The Washington Examiner,
31 May 2026
Verb
-
When spinach bolts, the plant focuses its energy on producing flowers and seeds rather than leaves.—
Michelle Mastro,
Martha Stewart,
29 Apr. 2026
-
If Leonard bolts, the Clippers will look to rebuild around young point guard Darius Garland, who came to the team in the Harden trade.—
Janis Carr,
Oc Register,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
To keep pesky bugs off your skin, the pants feature a rope lock around the cuffs.—
Caroline Hughes,
Travel + Leisure,
10 May 2026
-
Blast bugs off your house with the garden hose.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
23 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bugs out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bugs%20out. Accessed 2 Jun. 2026.
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