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
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
-
Leone, a furniture executive, flies exclusively on semi-private planes operated by JSX.—
Pat Maio,
Oc Register,
2 May 2026
-
Aliens, dystopian nightmares, and twisted realities are more than likely provoking a reaction from viewers that flies a lot closer to terrified.—
Grace Dean,
Space.com,
2 May 2026
Verb
-
MrBeast exits the arena, off to another afternoon shoot.—
Sean Gregory,
Time,
6 May 2026
-
Authorities said in March of 2025, a hunter found part of a human skull in Plymouth, near the breakdown lane of Route 3 North between exits 13 and 14.—
Brandon Truitt,
CBS News,
6 May 2026
Verb
-
When novelist Ohm Bauman (Scott) retreats to a remote inn in Ireland to scatter his parents’ ashes, he is consumed by tales of a witch haunting the honeymoon suite.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
3 May 2026
-
As Siâvash increasingly retreats into imaginary characters, the documentary traces a sibling relationship shaped and strained by displacement, set against a backdrop of escalating tension between Iran and the United States that carries personal consequences for both subjects.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
As the king departs, whether his message will stick is another matter — Trump will be back dealing with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, whose own position is looking more imperiled than ever.—
Elizabeth Robinson,
NBC news,
30 Apr. 2026
-
The ferry departs from Ceiba, just over an hour's drive southeast from San Juan.—
Jessica Chapel,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
So, Nawi flees on her wedding night.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
4 May 2026
-
Searchlight is in development on Lottery, a Permut Presentations drama about a young man with Down syndrome who, after winning the lottery, flees his estranged mother and hits the road with a charming new friend who has ulterior motives of her own.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The Moon moves through your 7th House of Partnership, making interactions more direct and emotionally charged in subtle ways.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
4 May 2026
-
Both days could produce thunderstorms but Thursday has the higher likelihood of storms as the front moves through.—
Rachael Jay,
CBS News,
3 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
-
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 9 May. 2026.
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