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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 break out
Richard Escobedo, CBS News, 6 June 2026
Witnesses said trouble broke out after a Latin Kings street gang member was shot in the leg by a rival.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2026
Jay Woods, CNBC, 4 June 2026
Leite, 22, is enjoying a breakout season for the surprising Fire (6-4) in her second year on the WNBA circuit.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for break out
Verb
Since the war broke out in late February, Iran has launched intermittent missile and drone strikes on all the Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman.
—Richard Escobedo, CBS News, 6 June 2026
Witnesses said trouble broke out after a Latin Kings street gang member was shot in the leg by a rival.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2026
Noun
First, this breakout is resolving in the direction of the primary trend.
—Jay Woods, CNBC, 4 June 2026
Leite, 22, is enjoying a breakout season for the surprising Fire (6-4) in her second year on the WNBA circuit.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for break out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for break out
Verb
-
With California facing increasingly destructive wildfires, experts and officials have long urged the strategic removal of dense, flammable vegetation that can erupt into particularly destructive flames from a lightning bolt or the spark of a power line.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
-
So Arsenal wasn't even playing on May 19, when a tie in a match between Manchester City and AFC Bournemouth meant the overall math ensured the Gunners' victory — and North London erupted into a sea of red Arsenal jerseys.—
Lauren Frayer,
NPR,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
Additional amenities include a spa, fitness center, kids’ club, and flexible event spaces, making the resort an ideal destination for a stylish and immersive island escape.—
Roger Sands,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
-
Picard approached an elderly couple who rented the place as an escape from the summer heat of the French capital and asked if the 552nd could use the land.—
Kevin Maurer,
The Atlantic,
6 June 2026
Noun
-
One person was killed and flights were suspended in Kuwait, officials said, after missile and drone strikes, including an attack on its international airport.—
Chantal Da Silva,
NBC news,
4 June 2026
-
After spending some time by the pool, a semi-Olympic lined with emerald and malachite mosaics that glinted in the soft, ambient light, followed by a quick trip to the sauna, I was escorted to my treatment room, about a half-flight of stairs up, where I was met by Marcia, my therapist.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 June 2026
Verb
-
America’s national parks shine in the summertime, with spectacular mountain passes thawed for the season, sparkling lakes and glittering beaches at the peak of their allure, and blankets of wildflowers exploding into bloom.—
Jessica Puckett,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 June 2026
-
However, a primordial black hole born with a mass of just 1 ton would immediately explode, instantly reaching the Planck mass.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Break out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/break%20out. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
