BUGS OUT Synonyms: 109 Similar and Opposite Words

bugs out

verb

present tense third-person singular of bug out

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 To keep your watermelon patch pest-free, consider using row covers to keep these bugs out. — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 26 June 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bugs out

Verb

SpaceX now flies roughly half the world’s orbital launches — 165 in 2025 and more than 80% of the mass carried to orbit — but its vehicles are built for its own missions.

— Charlotte Kiang, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
In a generation that promotes body positivity, Brandy Melville flies under the radar with its eye-catching branding and misleading sizes.

— Sienna Feliciano, Mercury News, 9 July 2026

Definition of flies

Verb

After Will’s funeral, Alice retreats to her in-laws’ remote, dilapidated house, where, through the Necronomicon, a demonic spirit is unleashed and begins to turn the family members into Deadites.

— Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
When Aries pushes harder, Cancer retreats further, and neither feels understood.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026

Definition of retreats

Verb

While the flagship departs, French mine countermeasure and escort vessels will remain in the region.

— Peter Suciu, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
The cruise, which departs from Greece on July 5, was expected to dock in the Turkish port town of Kuşadası two days later, followed by a trip to Istanbul, according to Atlantis Events, which is organizing the voyage.

— Greg Evans, Deadline, 3 July 2026

Definition of departs

Verb

Dunn, having none of it, stabs Dickie 20 times with a broken liquor bottle–with pants around his ankles, no less–while Alma flees out a window.

— EW Staff, Entertainment Weekly, 25 June 2026
With no idea what's going on, Dylan flees the FBC to find that the Hiss — otherworldly crimson monsters from another dimension — have overrun Manhattan.

— George Yang, Space.com, 22 June 2026

Definition of flees

Verb

Instead of using a remote or control panel, the player moves into position and signals with a simple hand gesture for the ball, and the AI biometrics locate and pinpoint the player position.

— Shirl Leigh July 13, New Atlas, 13 July 2026
This recent flight, announced this week, confirmed the drone’s flight controls and performance as the program moves closer to carrier use.

— Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 13 July 2026

Definition of moves

Verb

This episode, Zack wakes up and bolts upright with the bandage still on his head from getting clobbered with a sign on his birthday and can’t remember what happened the night before.

— Brian Moylan, Vulture, 9 July 2026
When spinach bolts, the plant focuses its energy on producing flowers and seeds rather than leaves.

— Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 29 Apr. 2026

Definition of bolts

Browse Nearby Words

bugs off

bugs out

build

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“Bugs out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bugs%20out. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of bugs out

verb

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