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
-
The drone flies to your home, usually in about four and a half minutes.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
10 May 2026
-
The route makes 18 nonstop flights that Alaska will operate in Boise, well ahead of Southwest Airlines, which flies to 10 cities nonstop.—
Kevin Fixler
May 8,
Idaho Statesman,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
Waymo also notes that the trunk may not open if a rider exits before the vehicle has officially pulled over and ended the trip.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
11 May 2026
-
Officials originally planned to close all northbound and southbound lanes of I-285 on the west side of Atlanta between exits 5 and 9.—
Irene Wright,
USA Today,
9 May 2026
Verb
-
As Elliot retreats from the devastating reality of his illness, father and daughter are forced to confront the unspoken truths between them.—
Brian Welk,
IndieWire,
11 May 2026
-
As Elliot retreats from the devastating reality of his illness, father and daughter are forced to confront the unspoken truths between them.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
6 May 2026
Verb
-
The five-night journey departs from Istanbul and winds through Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, and Austria, with stops in Bucharest and Budapest before its final arrival in Paris.—
Rebekah Peppler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 May 2026
-
Matt hopped on Reddit and pleaded for his fellow Sixers fans to buy Amtrak Flex tickets, which are fully refundable if canceled before the train departs.—
Matt Reigle OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
9 May 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
-
Light-diffusing pigments blur the look of dark circles, blemishes, and uneven skin tone with a soft-focus effect, while the proprietary Flex Form Matrix technology creates a breathable layer that moves with the skin throughout the day—without settling into fine lines or creasing.—
Jailynn Taylor,
Allure,
10 May 2026
-
As the storm moves away, this likelihood decreases.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
10 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 14 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
