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

Ebola is caused by a collection of viruses called orthoebolaviruses — with the Bundibugyo virus having been identified in the current outbreak. — Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026

The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the outbreak is possibly three times larger than the number of cases recorded, as surveillance and contact tracing are still weak. — ABC News, 2 Sep. 2026

Despite that, the outbreak has already become Congo’s deadliest Ebola outbreak. — Constant Same Bagalwa, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026

High summer demand for hospital and trauma care combined with extreme heat, summer travel and health disruptions such as the cyclosporiasis outbreak led to a drop in donor turnout, the organization said in a release. — Tania Azhang, Sacbee.com, 1 Sep. 2026