BREAK OUT Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

break out 1 of 2

verb

Definition of break out

as in to erupt

to develop suddenly and violently in the wake of news reports of deaths from the flu, panic broke out, and there was a mad rush for flu shots

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breakout

2 of 2

noun

ˈbrāk-ˌau̇t

as in escape

the act or an instance of getting free from danger or confinement the captives had been planning to stage a breakout at the next change in shift for the guards

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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 break out

Verb

When first questioned by authorities, Farinacci initially denied being in the area where the fire broke out. — Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026 In March, Rob Rausch, who broke out on Love Island USA, then parlayed that into a winning run on the latest season of The Traitors, signed with UTA and now shares an agent with James McAvoy and Theo James. — Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 7 Aug. 2026

Noun

The Australian actor is the second of the week to join following Jaafar Jackson, the breakout star of Lionsgate’s Michael. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2026 Emmett Sheehan, after a breakout 2025, had struggled mightily in recent starts, and the injuries had forced LA to turn to journeyman Eric Lauer. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for break out

Recent Examples of Synonyms for break out

Verb

Detectives said the fire erupted from separate ignition points, forcing evacuations at apartment complexes and nearby homes.

— Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
But at a red light near the Las Vegas Strip, a white Cadillac pulled up beside them and gunfire erupted.

— CBS News, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of erupt

Noun

At the island’s northwestern tip, Malli (north) offers the ultimate secluded escape.

— Monica Mendal, Vogue, 10 Aug. 2026
San Fruttuoso, although busy during the day in summer (there are frequent ferries from nearby towns like Camogli, Rapallo and Sestri Levante), becomes an escape-from-it-all retreat in the evening (the village has a population of less than 40).

— Catherine Sabino, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of escape

Verb

This could give astronomers an early warning, allowing telescopes to turn toward the exploding star while its light is still arriving.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 9 Aug. 2026
Ukraine has denied targeting Bulgaria after a drone entered the country's airspace on Saturday and exploded close to an international gas pipeline shortly after crossing the border from Romania.

— CBS News, CBS News, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of explode

Noun

The sightlines are good and the atmosphere lively, confirming the potential of Plymouth, the biggest city in the country never to have hosted a top-flight football club.

— Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
In one case, a man is accused of intercepting flight communications near an airbase where US fighter jets are based, while in the other, information about military drills between US and South Korean forces was allegedly obtained.

— Yoonjung Seo, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of flight

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break off (with)

break out

breakout

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Style

“Break out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/break%20out. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of break out

verb

noun

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