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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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
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Recent Examples of break out
Mirna Alsharif, NBC news, 14 Feb. 2026
In addition, about 100 Palestinian security officers located in Egypt when the war broke out received security training there, according to a European diplomat who did not have permission to brief the media and spoke on condition of anonymity.
—Daniel Estrin, NPR, 13 Feb. 2026
Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 5 Feb. 2026
Irritation and breakouts are normal, so patience is key.
—Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for break out
Verb
The flight was traveling from Antalya, Turkey when the mid-air fight broke out, according to the airline.
—Mirna Alsharif, NBC news, 14 Feb. 2026
In addition, about 100 Palestinian security officers located in Egypt when the war broke out received security training there, according to a European diplomat who did not have permission to brief the media and spoke on condition of anonymity.
—Daniel Estrin, NPR, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
After his breakout season in Minneapolis, the expectations were high again in Seattle, but Macdonald said his quarterback has more than met them.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 5 Feb. 2026
Irritation and breakouts are normal, so patience is key.
—Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for break out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for break out
Verb
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News of the possible project erupted last month after reports emerged that the federal government was eyeing the large, empty warehouse in a south Kansas City industrial park for an immigration detention center with thousands of beds.—
Chris Higgins,
Kansas City Star,
13 Feb. 2026
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Violence erupted in Kansas in 1854, not over fugitive slaves but over the prospect of slavery taking hold there.—
Jake Lundberg,
The Atlantic,
12 Feb. 2026
Noun
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But Jack, the most sensible and straitlaced of the lot, may finally be making his escape, thanks to the normalizing influence of his merely quite privileged girlfriend Martha (Elle Fanning).—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
14 Feb. 2026
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Once so consumed by her races during the Olympics, Bowe said getting to watch and cheer for Knight has been a welcome escape from her own preparation and stress.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The airline typically doubles cargo capacity for the holiday, adding nearly 300 flights this season.—
Alexandra Skores,
CNN Money,
12 Feb. 2026
-
The restrictions have been lifted and normal flights are resuming.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The benign case is that China is doing small-scale testing to ensure its weapons won't explode accidentally.—
Geoff Brumfiel,
NPR,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Butler started WeSchool more recently, when interest in at-home learning exploded during the pandemic.—
Kate Armanini,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Break out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/break%20out. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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