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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of bugs out
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
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
-
Wing, which flies parcels attached to a white and yellow drone with many helicopter-like propellers, did not give a date for the launch or list specific cities.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
23 Mar. 2026
-
Their flowers smell like rotting meat, attracting beetles and flies to pollinate them.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
21 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
All entrances and exits to LaGuardia Airport along Grand Central Parkway have reopened, according to the city's Notify NYC alert service.—
Jay Blackman,
NBC news,
23 Mar. 2026
-
Stairways used to evacuate passengers from the aircraft were pushed up to the emergency exits on the jet, a Bombardier CRJ.—
Jake Offenhartz,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
After a painful breakup, college junior Blake Logan retreats to her family's lake house in Tahoe and meets Wyatt Graham.—
Jessica Moore,
USA Today,
18 Mar. 2026
-
By Thursday night, geomagnetic activity weakens and retreats north, making aurora visibility in Iowa unlikely or very limited.—
Cooper Worth,
Des Moines Register,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The deliberate sparring during mealtime hides a palpable contempt the two warriors have for each other, further displayed as a seething hatred conveyed on Kirk's face as Chang departs back to Kronos One.—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
22 Mar. 2026
-
Where Fennell’s film departs from its source—reimagining rather than excavating—Powell’s novel goes the other direction, pushing deeper into Brontë’s life and work to find what might explain them.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The stinger on the scene, where Katie flees and Greg mistakenly gets caught peeping on two girls smooching, is good for some giggles.—
Erin Qualey,
Vulture,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Seemingly a united front, Michaela agrees to stay in London upon Francesca’s request, but secretly flees in the finale.—
Arushi Jacob,
Variety,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
While those numbers aren’t going to win you any awards, Ngongba’s presence will be important as Duke moves into the next weekend of the tournament.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
22 Mar. 2026
-
This obviously affecting everything that moves around the country.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
22 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
With that in mind, here are a few free agent options who could fit the Yankees if Bellinger bolts.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
14 Jan. 2026
-
The canine then bolts across the field and is immediately chased by one horse, with about five more joining in moments later.—
MSNBC Newsweek,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
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 29 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
