Thesaurus results for BREAKS OUT

breaks out

verb

present tense third-person singular of break out

as in erupts

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

Relevance

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 breaks out Occasionally, an argument breaks out about who ate the last slice of baloney in the refrigerator. —

Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 20 Mar. 2026 Episode 2 starts with another flashback to young Nolan’s life on Viltrum when the Scourge Virus breaks out. —

Jordan Moreau, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026 In other words, there could still be meaningful upside runway if the stock eventually breaks out and follows a path similar to prior advances. —

Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2026 When war breaks out, many insurers trigger what are known as standard war-risk cancellation clauses, according to Jungman at Vortexa. —

Alexander Smith, NBC news, 11 Mar. 2026 Body camera video shows Graham running from the deputy as a struggle breaks out. —

Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 23 Jan. 2026 At times, yes, when a football match breaks out between all of those stoppages. —

Oliver Kay, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025 Continue reading … POLITICS SENATE SHOWDOWN – Yelling match breaks out in Senate hearing with former Biden official over ‘two spirit’ safe spaces. —

FOXNews.com, 1 Oct. 2025 Packing a tent, space blanket, tarp and bivy can help you be prepared if severe weather breaks out or your plan takes a turn. —

Daniella Segura, Sacbee.com, 2 Sep. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for breaks out

Verb

And as for the showstopping pelican, the frog erupts out of its beak right on cue, a moment that indeed inspires a round of laughter and childlike awe.

— Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2026
That climaxes in a kaleidoscope of styles where Esteban, directing one scene, erupts in fury, reverting to a verbal and physical violence which Emilia obviously knew and suffered as child, Sorogoyen explains.

— John Hopewell, Variety, 16 May 2026