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

This summer, cyclosporiasis caught the attention of the entire nation after an outbreak raised fears for the illness. — Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2026

Limited care is resulting in more deaths Experts believe the virus began spreading from the mining town of Mongbwalu as early as February, months before authorities declared the outbreak on May 15. — Chinedu Asadu, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026

The outbreak involves a strain of the virus called Bundibugyo, for which there is no licensed vaccine or specific treatment. — Nahid Bhadelia, The Conversation, 19 Aug. 2026

Dausch joined Yum Brands, which recently saw sales take a hit from a cyclospora outbreak, in December 2024 as global chief digital and technology officer of Pizza Hut. — John Kell, Fortune, 19 Aug. 2026