bugs out

verb

present tense third-person singular of bug out
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

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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 The cuffed hemline can also be tightened as needed—a tiny detail that’s extra useful for keeping bugs out of your pant legs during outdoor adventures. — Kate Donovan, Southern Living, 11 July 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
  1. flies
  2. exits
  3. retreats
  4. departs
  5. flees
  6. moves
  7. bolts
  8. bugs off
Verb
  • As the drone flies, the rushing wind sweeps through the wing, naturally cooling the receiver’s back.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 29 July 2026
  • Anyone who frequently flies with Hawaiian Airlines or Alaska Airlines will get the most value out of this card.
    — Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 29 July 2026
Definition of flies
Verb
  • Although Saudi Arabia had diverted some oil from the Strait of Hormuz through its 746-mile Aramco pipeline, that pipe exits into the Red Sea—which has now been blocked by the Houthis at the Strait of Bab al-Mandab.
    — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 24 July 2026
  • After rain exits this evening hazardous heat returns this weekend.
    — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026
Definition of exits
Verb
  • The mountain range is just a short distance from Balmoral, the Scottish castle and estate where the royal family annually retreats in late summer.
    — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 28 July 2026
  • The footage then appears to show the person attempting to kick the sea lion again as the animal retreats from its resting spot.
    — Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 27 July 2026
Definition of retreats
Verb
  • Arch Manning is the main character in Austin, but five-star freshman Dia Bell is a worthy subplot to follow because he is expected to take over when Manning departs.
    — Antonio Morales, New York Times, 27 July 2026
  • Book a flight that departs earlier in the day, when delays haven't had time to pile up.
    — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
Definition of departs
Verb
  • When her best friend’s family suddenly flees under suspicious circumstances, taking her away with them, 10-year-old Lucía gathers her gang to launch a plan inspired by their favorite superheroes.
    — Marta Balaga, Variety, 17 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of flees
Verb
  • The financing is assembled, the logic of the deal does not decay, and every quarter that resembles the last one moves shareholders toward the bidders' side of the table.
    — Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • Monsoon storms continue in the Southwest The Southwest will continue to see daily chances for thunderstorms as monsoon moisture moves across the region.
    — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 27 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
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
Definition of bugs off

Browse Nearby Words

bugs off
bugs out
build
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Cite this Entry

“Bugs out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bugs%20out. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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