breaking point
noun
1
: the point at which a person gives way under stress
2
: the point at which a situation becomes critical
3
: the point at which something loses force or validity
stretch the rules to the breaking point
Synonyms
Examples of breaking point in a Sentence
tensions between the two nations had risen to the breaking point
Recent Examples on the Web
While the woman and her younger sister initially complied with this rule to remain at peace, the situation has now reached a breaking point.
—
Ashley Vega, People.com, 5 Feb. 2025
Institutions like Red Lobster and TGI Fridays filed for bankruptcy last year; Denny’s and Applebee’s announced major store closings; and customers reached their breaking point with McDonald’s, Burger King and KFC’s prices.
—Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN, 30 Jan. 2025
Fans clamoring for the return of the original RHONY cast should revisit season 13, where Ramona’s decade-plus of monstrous behavior reached a breaking point in the infamous Black Shabbat episode.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 29 Jan. 2025
Many local homeowners say they’re stretched to the breaking point, too.
—Will Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for breaking point 
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Ashley Vega, People.com, 5 Feb. 2025
Institutions like Red Lobster and TGI Fridays filed for bankruptcy last year; Denny’s and Applebee’s announced major store closings; and customers reached their breaking point with McDonald’s, Burger King and KFC’s prices.
—Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN, 30 Jan. 2025
Fans clamoring for the return of the original RHONY cast should revisit season 13, where Ramona’s decade-plus of monstrous behavior reached a breaking point in the infamous Black Shabbat episode.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 29 Jan. 2025
Many local homeowners say they’re stretched to the breaking point, too.
—Will Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for breaking point
Dictionary Entries Near breaking point
Cite this Entry
“Breaking point.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breaking%20point. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.
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