break in 1 of 2

1
as in to invade
to enter a house or building by force usually with illegal intent the burglars broke in by smashing a window

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2
as in to interrupt
to cause a disruption in a conversation or discussion he rudely broke in to drop the names of several celebrities that he had met

Synonyms & Similar Words

break-in

2 of 2

noun

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 in
Verb
Jewish nonprofit offers free security training to combat antisemitism New Orleans inmate posts to social media A possible break in the case? Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 4 June 2025 Earlier this week, with the NBA social media landscape slowing down due to a short break in playoff action, Miles Bridges sent out a simple post on X that might’ve gone unnoticed. Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 4 June 2025
Noun
At the teen suspect's home, authorities found nearly 20 sets of car keys, credit cards, and other evidence that linked him to the car break-ins, Hamill said. Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 30 May 2025 Stephen McMahon invented and first deployed the device outside his Santa Monica condominium complex storage area after a break-in and a neighbor with her infant daughter was assaulted by two men. Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for break in
Recent Examples of Synonyms for break in
Verb
  • Amid President Trump’s threats to start a global trade war, invade Greenland, seize control of the Panama Canal and annex Canada, this story has gone virtually unnoticed: Cuba is going through its worst economic crisis in decades — maybe since the 1959 revolution.
    Andres Oppenheimer, Miami Herald, 5 June 2025
  • The conflict began in 2022 when Russian forces invaded Ukraine.
    Brett Samuels, The Hill, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • Tesla’s 2 big sellers - the Model 3 and Model Y - have recently been updated, which interrupted production.
    Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • Yet no one candidate was given more than 30 seconds or a minute to respond to questions, and they were often interrupted by other candidates seeking to interject.
    Jared Gans, The Hill, 5 June 2025
Noun
  • In 2020, Brown pleaded no contest to burglary and battery charges connected to an altercation with a moving company.
    Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025
  • Recommended As more troops enter Los Angeles, dueling narratives over how to keep the peace Whether part of any organized effort or not, several people were charged Wednesday by LA law enforcement with crimes including burglary and assault of police.
    Story Hinckley, Christian Science Monitor, 12 June 2025
Verb
  • Lochte initially claimed he and his teammates were robbed at gunpoint, but it was determined those with the guns were actually security guards at a gas station where the swimmers had urinated outside a bathroom.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 4 June 2025
  • He was robbed of an extra-base hit by Victor Scott II in center field and Nolan Arenado took away another hit.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • Not only that, the 1 [million] households earning over $1 [million] a year would receive $105 [billion] in tax cuts in 2027 – that’s more than the tax cuts going to the 127 [million] households earning under $100,000.
    Jim Miller, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 June 2025
  • Most House Republicans continue to back the Big, Beautiful bill, which extends expiring income tax rates beyond 2025 but also makes big cuts in Medicaid, food assistance and other government programs.
    David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 5 June 2025
Noun
  • All leaders said significant work remains, and agreed that the budget bills for Health and Human Services, Transportation and Taxes are currently the biggest holdups.
    Mary Murphy, Twin Cities, 5 June 2025
  • The charges stem from an eight-month investigation into the 7:01 a.m. Aug. 30th holdup at 7-Eleven, 4501 95th St., by five armed and masked males, police said.
    Dennis Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Break in.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/break%20in. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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