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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in revolt
open fighting against authority (as one's own government)
the government quelled the outbreak with ruthless efficiency
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of outbreak
Alice Ribes, emergency country director for the International Rescue Committee in Haiti, said millions continue to face a worsening crisis marked by escalating violence, hunger and starvation, forced displacement of people from their homes and outbreaks of disease.
—
Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 17 Apr. 2026
The Treaty of Versailles, for example, marked the end of World War I, but historians commonly cite it as a major contributor to the Nazi Party’s rise and the outbreak of World War II.
—Philippe Welti, Fortune, 17 Apr. 2026
As highlighted in the El Paso detention center, the measles outbreak has shined a light on the health disparities suffered by the most vulnerable.
—Professor David R. Hill, Hartford Courant, 17 Apr. 2026
Pasteurization and heat kill Listeria, which is why outbreaks are rare.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for outbreak
Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 17 Apr. 2026
The Treaty of Versailles, for example, marked the end of World War I, but historians commonly cite it as a major contributor to the Nazi Party’s rise and the outbreak of World War II.
—Philippe Welti, Fortune, 17 Apr. 2026
As highlighted in the El Paso detention center, the measles outbreak has shined a light on the health disparities suffered by the most vulnerable.
—Professor David R. Hill, Hartford Courant, 17 Apr. 2026
Pasteurization and heat kill Listeria, which is why outbreaks are rare.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for outbreak
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outbreak
Noun
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The Public Service Commission has approved a flurry of rate hikes in recent years as private utilities grapple with maintaining profits while improving infrastructure in a mountainous, sparsely populated state.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2026
-
The latest adaptation of the action video game series is uppercutting its way into theaters, kicking off the summer blockbuster season with a flurry of powerful punches.—
Christopher Rudolph,
PEOPLE,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
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This tweet sparked a fierce revolt from tech executives and investors, many of whom were previously among Khanna’s biggest donors and allies.—
Jacqueline Munis,
Fortune,
23 Apr. 2026
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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 verdant burst is always welcome after a dreary winter, and the bright, fresh flavors of spring vegetables are like a breath of fresh air on the table, too.—
Becky Krystal,
Washington Post,
20 Apr. 2026
-
The Thunder took control with an early 17-2 burst.—
Doug Haller,
New York Times,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
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In 2021, she was profiled by multiple magazines for painting the January 6 insurrection.—
Alex Greenberger,
ARTnews.com,
11 Apr. 2026
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Facing insurrection charges, Kimbangu was sentenced to death.—
Rodney Muhumuza,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
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This time, there wasn’t nearly as long of a gap between scoring outbursts.—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Director Matt Pfeiffer tries not to tie it too strongly to an extreme light or dark mood but does keep up a snappy pace, plays most of the angriest outbursts for laughs and takes good advantage of the openness of the Playhouse on Park stage area.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The military was brought in to stop the uprising and the conflict evolved into a separatist insurgency.—
Gabrielle Emanuel,
NPR,
20 Apr. 2026
-
One example might be the inconvenience caused by a mass political uprising, one that risks the security, safety, and comfort of its participants.—
Hanif Abdurraqib,
New Yorker,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The ur-mutiny, encompassing some of these, provoking and provoked by others, is MAGA.—
George Packer,
The Atlantic,
16 Mar. 2026
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That mobility occasionally allowed for communication and coordination during mutinies.—
Ed Gaskin,
Boston Herald,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Through the personal stories of activists and intense courtroom battles, host Brendan Patrick Hughes explores themes of faith, rebellion, and the complexities of confronting injustice, ultimately offering a compelling blueprint for modern activism.—
Brande Victorian,
HollywoodReporter,
23 Apr. 2026
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Focus Features has set a Sept 11 release for the Paul Greengrass directed, Andrew Garfield starring The Uprising, which follows the untold true story of a ferocious rebellion against the tyranny of King Richard II.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Outbreak.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outbreak. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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