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
  • Chaparral flies autonomously Elroy Air completed a new series of autonomous, uncrewed flight tests of its Chaparral cargo aircraft under the US Department of Transportation and FAA’s eIPP project.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Related Stories The festival traditionally flies all the flags representing directors with films in the selection from flagpoles on the Palazzo del Cinema, where the gala screenings take place every night.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of flies
Verb
  • In many ways, the Connor Hellebuyck situation is more painful than other high-profile NHL exits of late.
    — James Mirtle, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • On that Sunday in March, Wright’s tour group exits her van and moves to the beachside memorial site.
    — Sonjirose Chin, Rolling Stone, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of exits
Verb
  • The front retreats to the north, but chances of rain stick around into early Friday as the shortwave (small disturbance) pushes out of the area.
    — Michael Autovino, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Havelock neither retreats to the closet nor holds out hope for resolution via vigilante justice.
    — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of retreats
Verb
  • Or, if your flight departs from an EU country and arrives in the UK (operated by either an EU or a non-EU airline).
    — Alessia Armenise, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026
  • One of the world’s most exclusive trains departs from Tokyo, carrying just 34 guests on an extraordinary culinary journey through Japan’s quieter landscapes.
    — Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of departs
Verb
  • When David flees before the FBI can arrest him, Teagan and her mother, Ella (Jessica Paré), are blindsided, and are forced to leave their affluent Los Angeles community for Ella’s hometown, Eagle’s Cove, a fictional town in Massachusetts.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 10 Sep. 2026
  • But that’s not the property’s only claim to fame; the home also appeared in The Undoing, when Grace (played by Nicole Kidman) flees to the beach after her husband (Hugh Grant) goes missing.
    — Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of flees
Verb
  • Colorado moves way up to one spot ahead of Georgia Tech after blocking the final field goal for the road win over the Yellow Jackets.
    — Chris Vannini, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Buoyed by her leadership of the multi-billion-dollar expansion project last decade, Espino moves up from deputy administrator to take full command of the canal.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of moves
Verb
  • Then, the unit bolts to the van, becoming a secure load that happens to contain a full living suite.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 20 Aug. 2026
  • When a company bolts AI on without building it into the way the company works, the company can end up paying a great deal of money for a capability its competitors already share.
    — Mohamed Khater, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 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 12 Sep. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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