breaking free

phrase

present participle of break free
as in escaping
to get free from a dangerous or confining situation The hostages managed to break free before anyone got hurt.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 breaking free Henry shook backup safety Dell Pettus with a slight hesitation at the goal line before breaking free inside. — Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 10 Aug. 2026 For e-commerce brands trapped in bad logistics partnerships, breaking free can feel almost impossible. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 23 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

breaking down
breaking free
breaking in
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Breaking free.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/breaking%20free. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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