BREAKOUT 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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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 break out

Verb

When the Los Angeles County wildfires broke out last year, the Palisades Village remained largely unscathed after Caruso hired private firefighters to protect it. — Tom Wait, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026 Such attention and admiration will only elevate to new, unseen levels following a night when Madjo broke out into the wider footballing public. — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026

Noun

While hot at the plate over the last few days, Grisham hasn’t been able to replicate his breakout production from a season ago and has continued to regress in center field. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026 Frank Cappelleri, founder of CappThesis and a CNBC contributor, wrote Wednesday that a breakout in the stock is brewing. — Fred Imbert, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for break out

Recent Examples of Synonyms for break out

Verb

After the stop, the entire visiting sideline erupted with celebration.

— Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Aug. 2026
Bueckers erupted for 13 points in the frame, tied for the most she’s scored in any quarter this season.

— James Boyd, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of erupt

Verb

The rivalry with Arsenal has really exploded recently, and that will add extra spice.

— Nnamdi Onyeagwara, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Last week, Ukraine 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, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of explode

Browse Nearby Words

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 20 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of break out

verb

noun

Example Sentences

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