Synonyms of outbreak

outbreak

noun

ˈau̇t-ˌbrāk 

1

as in flurry

a sudden and usually temporary growth of activity

there was an immediate outbreak of paper shuffling and a pretense of work when the supervisor passed through the room

Synonyms & Similar Words

• flurry
• burst
• outburst
• eruption
• surge
• spurt
• flare
• flutter
• flare-up
• increase
• flicker
• recurrence
• explosion
• epidemic
• flash
• renewal
• recrudescence
• flood
• boost
• upswing
• upturn
• spree
• pickup
• rush
• paroxysm
• binge
• commotion
• deluge
• spate
• volley
• furor
• uproar
• jag

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• slump
• calm
• doldrums

2

as in revolt

open fighting against authority (as one's own government)

the government quelled the outbreak with ruthless efficiency

Synonyms & Similar Words

• revolt
• insurrection
• uprising
• mutiny
• rebellion
• insurgency
• revolution
• insurgence
• coup
• rising
• overthrow
• coup d'état
• treachery
• sedition
• treason
• sabotage
• subversion
• misprision

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• counterinsurgency
• counterrevolution

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of outbreak

Perhaps a famine, an outbreak of disease, or social upheaval? — Mike McRae 25, New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026

Measles cases have surged in Maryland, with state leaders confirming 14 new cases this week and outbreaks in three counties. — Mike Stunson, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026

One potential outcome is having less ability to monitor and control an existing outbreak, Hamilton says. — Rebecca Schneid, Time, 26 Aug. 2026

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum celebrated the reopening on Monday morning, and her administration outlined precautions to beat back the outbreak. — Abraham Tellez, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026