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
-
Eco effort Few & Far Luvhondo operates on solar power and is 100% zero waste, in part thanks to an army of black soldier flies that turn food scraps into fertilizer.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
9 Mar. 2026
-
But researchers found in 2022 that brine flies, which form the base of the lake’s food web, and brine shrimp, a multimillion, global fish food business in Utah, had begun to disappear.—
Evan Bush,
NBC news,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
They will also be notified of other account activities, such as when their kid adds a new contact or exits a pre-approved group chat.—
Jibin Joseph,
PC Magazine,
12 Mar. 2026
-
After rain exits the area on Wednesday, a drier pattern is expected to move into North Texas.—
Julia James,
Dallas Morning News,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
But the novel ultimately retreats from these complicating questions.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Mar. 2026
-
But the novel ultimately retreats from these complicating questions.—
Sarah Chihaya,
New Yorker,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Frias departs at a fragile moment for Rady Children’s.—
Paul Sisson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 Mar. 2026
-
The Chiefs could use another body at that spot if Bryan Cook departs in free agency, which is the most likely outcome.—
Jesse Newell,
New York Times,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The stinger on the scene, where Katie flees and Greg mistakenly gets caught peeping on two girls smooching, is good for some giggles.—
Erin Qualey,
Vulture,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Seemingly a united front, Michaela agrees to stay in London upon Francesca’s request, but secretly flees in the finale.—
Arushi Jacob,
Variety,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
As the train moves through the Hudson Valley and up toward the Canadian border, riverfront towns give way to wide expanses of water and distant mountain peaks.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Mar. 2026
-
The bodywork also moves now — the wings literally adjust as the car moves around the track, which sounds made up but isn’t.—
Alex Kirshner,
New York Times,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
With that in mind, here are a few free agent options who could fit the Yankees if Bellinger bolts.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
14 Jan. 2026
-
The canine then bolts across the field and is immediately chased by one horse, with about five more joining in moments later.—
MSNBC Newsweek,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Nov. 2025
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 Mar. 2026.
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