1
as in to retreat
to hasten away from something dangerous or frightening
the ground soldiers bugged out just before the start of the aerial bombing
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to depart
to leave a place often for another
the strange visitor bugged out without so much as saying a word
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bug out
Verb
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Financial markets have retreated this year amid mounting concerns that the Trump administration's economic policies could jar spending by American consumers and businesses, hurting economic growth.—
Anne Marie Lee,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2025 -
Pelicans add another dimension to the scene on these deep lakes, formed roughly 12,000 years ago after the glaciers retreated allowing meltwater to form Channel Lake, Lake Marie, Loon Lake and others in northern Illinois.—
Sheryl De Vore,
Chicago Tribune,
1 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Fields and Wilson departed this offseason, while backup Skylar Thompson was signed and Rudolph returned, possibly starting if the Steelers don't sign Rodgers and make a big trade.—
Ryan Deto,
Axios,
31 Mar. 2025
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King said records show the plane arrived there March 22 and departed the day of the crash.—
John Bacon,
USA Today,
30 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Fires are not a material risk, and neither are the crowds fleeing them.—
Rascal Kemble-Curry,
New York Daily News,
22 Mar. 2025
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In Venezuela and Nicaragua, repressive regimes have also prompted a humanitarian crisis that has forced millions to flee.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
22 Mar. 2025
Verb
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While stocks may continue their short-term celebration, the long-term sustainability of this rally is being undermined by something few are talking about: a major foreign holder of U.S. debt may be exiting the market in protest.—
Joel Shulman,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
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Wong remained in the game to finish the inning but soon exited.—
Jen McCaffrey,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The aircraft flew north along the Hudson River and later turned south after reaching the George Washington Bridge, according to New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
14 Apr. 2025
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In the show, Joel flies in like a bat out of hell and violently knocks Seth to the ground before telling him to get the hell out.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Our reporters talk to each other and move around candidates from one category to another.—
Alexandra York,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
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The bill also included moving $1.1 million from the Constitutional Defense Fund into the Legislative Legal Defense Fund.—
Alex Brizee,
Idaho Statesman,
15 Apr. 2025
Verb
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As with the smaller Fiat, the Lancia’s engine was transversely mounted, bolted to a five-speed transmission and transaxle.—
Robert Ross,
Robb Report,
4 Apr. 2025
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Willard, who bolted for Villanova right after Maryland’s season ended in the Sweet 16, didn’t view the Terps as a destination job.—
Taylor Lyons,
Baltimore Sun,
2 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Perry shared a series of photographs of Lucio growing up: at 3 months, 7 months, and a year old, with his hair getting longer and curlier each time, before bringing the now 18-month-old Lucio into the video.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Apr. 2025
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In the game, Joel intercedes by shoving the man, Seth, and telling him to get the hell out.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Bug out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bug%20out. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.
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