break through

verb

broke through; broken through; breaking through; breaks through
Synonyms of break throughnext

intransitive verb

: to make a breakthrough

Examples of break through in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Riley broke through as both a songwriter and performer in 2009, thanks to his collaborations with the grime MC Chip. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 8 June 2026 When an Arietid streaks across the daytime sky, the ionized trail will bounce distant signals right into the antenna, resulting in an eerie short burst of music or voice breaking through the static. Jules-Pierre Malartre, Space.com, 8 June 2026 Three members of Marshall’s family cracked a bottle of Champagne against the hull of the 746-foot USNS Thurgood Marshall, eliciting cheers at the very moment sunlight broke through the marine layer. Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2026 Since breaking through as Annie Edison on the NBC sitcom Community, Brie has been a familiar face in pop culture, doing big budget flicks and indies alike. Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 5 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for break through

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of break through was in 1946

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Break through.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/break%20through. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

breakthrough

noun
break·​through ˈbrāk-ˌthrü How to pronounce breakthrough (audio)
: a sudden advance in knowledge or technique
a breakthrough in medical science

Medical Definition

breakthrough

noun
break·​through ˈbrāk-ˌthrü How to pronounce breakthrough (audio)
: infection occurring in someone who is fully vaccinated against an infectious agent
often used before another noun
breakthrough infections

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