Definition of outbreaknext
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

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2
as in revolt
open fighting against authority (as one's own government) the government quelled the outbreak with ruthless efficiency

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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 outbreak Oceanwide Expeditions, operator of the cruise ship MV Hondius, says at least 29 living passengers from 12 countries disembarked the ship and went home after the death of the first passenger on board (before officials knew of the outbreak). Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026 The global outbreak of the coronavirus and its painful memories are very much at the forefront of peoples minds here in Tenerife, where local leaders have vehemently contested the disembarkation, and some of the local population has gathered in protest over the past few days. Vasco Cotovio, CNN Money, 10 May 2026 Health officials say risk to public is low WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reiterated that the public should not be worried about the outbreak. Iain Sullivan, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026 Passengers have begun evacuating the MV Hondius cruise ship that was hit by a rare hantavirus outbreak, boarding planes after the ship is docked in Spain’s Canary Islands. Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 10 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for outbreak
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outbreak
Noun
  • As tensions escalate there's been a flurry of diplomacy across the globe.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 May 2026
  • That kicked off a flurry of activity — starting with those who questioned why this was the first warrant for Duckett after more than three decades on death row.
    Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 May 2026
Noun
  • Ultimately, Wales’ revolt against Labour is not simply a march to Reform.
    Alexander Smith, NBC news, 6 May 2026
  • The next national election does not have to be held until 2029, but a wipeout on Thursday could tip a restive Labour Party into revolt against its unpopular leader.
    ABC News, ABC News, 5 May 2026
Noun
  • Known as the theme park capital of the world, Central Florida bursts with family-friendly fun.
    Lisa A. Beach, Southern Living, 10 May 2026
  • While most passengers are considerate, late-night returns and early-morning departures can bring bursts of noise outside your door.
    David Nikel, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026
Noun
  • His stand against the insurrection offended the Nebraska Republican Committee.
    Scott Pelley, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2026
  • In England chaos reaches its zenith when a Kentishman named Jack Cade, encouraged by York (who has been sent to put down a revolt in Ireland), mounts an insurrection that plays havoc in the streets of London.
    Gitanjali Roy, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The Guardians had a five-run outburst in the third inning, taking advantage of four walks, to extend their lead to 7-0.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
  • Like any public hearing, there were a few jokers who had some strange outbursts, but the majority of the over a dozen speakers weren’t satisfied with Gower’s presentation and used their times to ask questions of the owners as to what has taken so long with this project.
    Brian Welk, IndieWire, 12 May 2026
Noun
  • In January, 2019, amid the popular uprising that would ultimately dissolve Bashir’s government, Ibrahim’s employer assisted the family in obtaining visas and plane tickets to Jordan.
    Annie Hylton, New Yorker, 14 May 2026
  • Cody Bellinger then grounded into a forceout that produced a run, Amed Rosario got an RBI on an infield hit and Grisham capped the uprising with his sixth home run.
    ABC News, ABC News, 12 May 2026
Noun
  • The only real threat to Putin’s authority came a year into the war, when Yevgeniy Prigozhin, the founder of Wagner, a Russian paramilitary organization, launched a mutiny directed against Russia’s military leadership.
    Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 8 May 2026
  • That’s when three-term incumbent Richard Woods will face four Republican challengers and a mutiny among GOP lawmakers, giving him what could be the toughest election he’s ever faced.
    Patricia Murphy, AJC.com, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The rebellion stems from Labor’s heavy losses in local elections last week and widespread party frustration over Starmer’s leadership, stagnant economic growth and failure to deliver on campaign promises.
    Danica Kirka, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
  • On the internet, masculinism is presented as a rebellion—a transgressive middle finger to the liberal establishment, expressed in all the words a corporate HR department would order you not to say.
    Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 14 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Outbreak.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outbreak. Accessed 16 May. 2026.

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