break out 1 of 2

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

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breakout

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 out
Verb
The collection breaks out in suites with Wave, Ocean Flora, Urchin, Starfish, Seahorse and Sea Turtle. Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 24 Apr. 2025 Originally one part of a larger band, Santana was the lead guitarist and founder of his eponymous group before breaking out on his own. Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
Joel became a breakout figure for the franchise, both in the video games and in HBO's adaptation. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025 The soulful breakout single has now racked up an astounding 86 weeks on the Hot 100. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for break out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for break out
Verb
  • Delta flight evacuated before takeoff after flames seen in engine Passengers aboard a Delta flight at Orlando International Airport in Florida were evacuated on Monday after flames were seen erupting from one of the plane’s engines.
    Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • For a week, Loíza erupts in celebration with parades, bomba performances and colorful processions honoring the town’s patron saint.
    Melissa Rose Cooper, Essence, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Maybe after a decade and a half of ruling the charts, the only thing that offers Aubrey Graham an escape from anhedonia is the fleeting euphoria of a lottery hit.
    Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 16 Apr. 2025
  • At least two made it to the Missouri River – the first captured in Boonville, Missouri, and the largest, a 3-footer, pulled from the river near Jefferson City by a fisherman, nearly three months after its escape.
    Jeremy Drouin, Kansas City Star, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • World & Nation Measles cases exploded in Texas after stagnant vaccine funding.
    Rong-Gong Lin II, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Stateside, family moviegoing always explodes post-Christmas, and that’s when Mufasa began to show his claws against Sonic.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Deputy Assistant Attorney General Drew Ensign pushed back at a lower court hearing, however, saying no deportation flights were scheduled for Friday or Saturday.
    Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Ahmed Walid ‘Now hear me out on Alexander-Arnold…’ Limited to just two wins this season, let this be another for Aaron Ramsdale, who made 105 saves in vain as Southampton got bounced from the top flight.
    Adam Crafton, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025

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“Break out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/break%20out. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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