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

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

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 While currently Congo and Uganda in central Africa are experiencing an Ebola outbreak, Sierra Leone has not had reported outbreaks. Imani Cruzen, Twin Cities, 7 June 2026 An Ebola outbreak has also threatened the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s participation. Chris Jones, The Atlantic, 7 June 2026 New modeling from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests this outbreak could even surpass other historic outbreaks if strong public health interventions are not rapidly implemented. Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN Money, 6 June 2026 How are they being protected from the ongoing Ebola outbreak in humans? Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 6 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for outbreak
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outbreak
Noun
  • Nine people were injured in a flurry of gunfire in a crowd on Troost Avenue early Saturday morning, Kansas City police said.
    Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 7 June 2026
  • The Knicks erased a fourteen-point Spurs lead in the third quarter and then surged ahead in the fourth, led once again by the New Yorker cover star Jalen Brunson, who added to his legend with a flurry of clutch jumpers in the final minutes.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • Many leaders would have resisted such a revolt.
    Bill Fischer, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
  • There were more than 50 days of popular revolt, which were met with considerable police violence, resulting in dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries.
    Roberto Andrés, The Dial, 28 May 2026
Noun
  • Four of the runs scored in a quick burst in the sixth, when Neto made an error just before Rushing’s three-run homer.
    Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 8 June 2026
  • While the Rays came alive for three runs during the final two innings, Miami’s early offensive burst built enough of a cushion for Tyler Zuber to earn his first career save.
    Tyler Carmona June 6, Miami Herald, 7 June 2026
Noun
  • On the first day of his second term, Trump granted blanket clemency to nearly all individuals convicted of or charged with offenses related to the insurrection.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 3 June 2026
  • Prosecutors also revealed private messages to from Tarrio to senior leaders of the Proud Boys taking credit for the insurrection.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 24 May 2026
Noun
  • Tyler Freeman tacked on an RBI single and Goodman capped the outburst with his 14th homer — a three-run drive over the left-field wall.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2026
  • The outburst completely erased the five-run deficit and gave KU a 6-5 lead.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 1 June 2026
Noun
  • Sparked by then-president Viktor Yanukovych’s decision to abandon European Union membership in favor of closer ties with Russia, the Maidan uprising ultimately led to his ouster.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 3 June 2026
  • In War and Peace, Tolstoy’s concept—among a million other things—was to show how the young people who lived through the Napoleonic invasion went on to lead Russia’s first democratic uprising, the Decembrist Revolt of 1825.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • Within six months, Richards’ side of the group staged a mutiny, locked Diekmann in his apartment, and forced him to relinquish control.
    JP Mangalindan, Time, 1 June 2026
  • The in-fighting and mutiny across ownership, staff, players and fans after a miserable campaign.
    Beren Cross, New York Times, 25 May 2026
Noun
  • Coupled with the music, the bites have a sense of rebellion, but this isn’t outright middle finger food.
    Colin Wrenn, Denver Post, 3 June 2026
  • As Season 2 unfolds, the two young couples will be tested and separated once again by forces beyond their control, as every clan chooses a side in the rebellion.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 1 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Outbreak.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outbreak. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on outbreak

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster