1
as in flurries
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in insurrections
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 outbreaks
The hotel industry, for instance, is not required to report similar outbreaks.
—
Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 May 2026
Unlike most forms of hantavirus, which spread from rodents to humans, Andes is the only strain that is able to transmit from person to person, heightening fears about how outbreaks could unfold under the right conditions.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2026
Other outbreaks have occurred in Greece, Israel, Romania and Russia.
—Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 11 May 2026
Large outbreaks are extremely rare.
—Erika Edwards, NBC news, 11 May 2026
Why are cruises at the center of so many outbreaks?
—Nathan Diller, USA Today, 11 May 2026
The Andes strain of hantavirus is considered rare and has historically been associated with outbreaks in South America.
—Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 10 May 2026
In interviews this week, some experts made a comparison with a 2020 incident involving the Diamond Princess, a cruise ship docked in Japan that became the setting of one of the first large COVID-19 outbreaks outside of China.
—ABC News, 9 May 2026
Studies indicate hantaviruses have been around for centuries, with outbreaks documented in Asia and Europe.
—Susan Montoya Bryan, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026
Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 May 2026
Unlike most forms of hantavirus, which spread from rodents to humans, Andes is the only strain that is able to transmit from person to person, heightening fears about how outbreaks could unfold under the right conditions.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2026
Other outbreaks have occurred in Greece, Israel, Romania and Russia.
—Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 11 May 2026
Large outbreaks are extremely rare.
—Erika Edwards, NBC news, 11 May 2026
Why are cruises at the center of so many outbreaks?
—Nathan Diller, USA Today, 11 May 2026
The Andes strain of hantavirus is considered rare and has historically been associated with outbreaks in South America.
—Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 10 May 2026
In interviews this week, some experts made a comparison with a 2020 incident involving the Diamond Princess, a cruise ship docked in Japan that became the setting of one of the first large COVID-19 outbreaks outside of China.
—ABC News, 9 May 2026
Studies indicate hantaviruses have been around for centuries, with outbreaks documented in Asia and Europe.
—Susan Montoya Bryan, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outbreaks
Noun
-
The latest flurries that dusted parts of the Sierra Nevada this week are unlikely to do much to ease California’s snow drought.—
Chaewon Chung,
Sacbee.com,
22 Apr. 2026
-
As the rain and snow fall, flurries can melt, mix together and refreeze just before hitting the ground, according to Jackson Macfarlane, a meteorologist with the weather service’s Boise office.—
Hali Smith
April 14,
Idaho Statesman,
14 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
There were rebellions, insurrections and an Appian Way lined with crucifixions.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
-
But the regime, besieged by insurrections across the country, abandoned Manbij.—
Anand Gopal,
New Yorker,
28 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Scientists at Stanford found that biological aging accelerates in two distinct bursts, once around age 44 and again around 60, making the 30s and 40s a critical window for intervention.—
Allison Palmer,
Charlotte Observer,
6 May 2026
-
In fact, when experienced in short bursts, stress can be beneficial by increasing focus, improving performance and preparing the body to handle challenges.—
Danielle Wilhour,
The Conversation,
5 May 2026
Noun
-
Starmer also has angered supporters with attempts to cut welfare spending, some of which were reversed after Labour revolts.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
9 May 2026
-
Then came revolts and revolutions in Ireland, the Swiss cantons, the Rhineland, the Netherlands, the Italian states, and the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.—
Daniel Immerwahr,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
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
-
Until then, neighbors will have to deal with the man's outbursts.—
Lauren Pozen,
CBS News,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
In the United States, the Civil War reshaped the nation and redefined freedom, while revolutionary movements and nationalist uprisings spread across Europe.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
10 Apr. 2026
-
In 2020, during the George Floyd uprisings, Seattle became one of the country’s most volatile flashpoints.—
Seth Abramovitch,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Slave rebellions that were violent didn’t mean that slavery is not bad.—
Jackie Hajdenberg,
Sun Sentinel,
27 Apr. 2026
-
There were rebellions, insurrections and an Appian Way lined with crucifixions.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
That mobility occasionally allowed for communication and coordination during mutinies.—
Ed Gaskin,
Boston Herald,
8 Mar. 2026
-
This includes leader assassination attempts by political opponents or lone wolves or mutinies by disgruntled soldiers who might even march on the presidential palace to demand higher pay, promotions or other policy concessions.—
John Joseph Chin,
The Conversation,
16 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Outbreaks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outbreaks. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
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