1
as in to retreat
to hasten away from something dangerous or frightening
the ground soldiers bugged out just before the start of the aerial bombing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to depart
to leave a place often for another
the strange visitor bugged out without so much as saying a word
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bug out
Verb
-
Also, market reaction to further tariff moves may cause Trump to retreat to the point that the effect of any tariff actions is fairly nominal.—
Tom Rogers,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 June 2025 -
The soldiers fired warning shots and then opened fire when the suspects would not retreat, according to the IDF.—
Rachel Wolf,
FOXNews.com,
4 June 2025
Verb
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This blunt attribution departs from the more generalized threat descriptions of previous administrations.—
Emil Sayegh,
Forbes.com,
7 June 2025
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President Donald Trump gives a thumbs-up before departing on Marine One from the South Lawn of the White House on June 6 in Washington, D.C. President Donald Trump gives a thumbs-up before departing on Marine One from the South Lawn of the White House on June 6 in Washington, D.C.—
Sonam Sheth
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 June 2025
Verb
-
The family fled Colombia in 2002, leaving behind comfort and status.—
Clara-Sophia Daly,
Miami Herald,
7 June 2025
-
Hardin fled the North Central Unit in Calico Rock, Arkansas, through a secure entryway on May 25 wearing a fake law enforcement uniform.—
Jorge L. Ortiz,
USA Today,
7 June 2025
Verb
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This demographic shift is creating a double whammy for employers: Not only are fewer people seeking new opportunities, but a significant portion of the experienced workforce will soon exit the market.—
Duane Tursi,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
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The Dallas phone company had taken a blood-bath in its four-year foray into entertainment and was eager to exit.—
Stephen Battaglio,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2025
Verb
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Finally, a sturdy base is integral for preventing your umbrella from flopping around or flying in the wind.—
Sandi Schwartz,
Better Homes & Gardens,
13 June 2025
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Fifty aircraft including combat helicopters will fly overhead.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
13 June 2025
Verb
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Last month, the department moved ahead with negotiated rulemaking, a lengthy process that would result in changes to federal regulations.—
Adam S. Minsky,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
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The couple had been planning to move back to Montreal before the October 2024 incident.—
Mathew Miranda,
Sacbee.com,
2 June 2025
Verb
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Where the trunk narrowed higher in the tree, Flores bolted spikes into the bark to make the final few steps into the structure.—
Liam Dillon,
Los Angeles Times,
3 June 2025
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Five-year-old Amber bolted in late April, a day after arriving in London from Qatar, where she was rescued from the streets.—
Lianne Kolirin,
CNN Money,
3 June 2025
Verb
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Christina Aguilera didn't let the haters get her down early in her career.—
Sydney Bucksbaum,
EW.com,
14 June 2025
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His parents weren't totally aware of his unusual spot to get a few hours of rest.—
Marina Watts,
People.com,
13 June 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Bug out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bug%20out. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.
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