1
as in retreating
to hasten away from something dangerous or frightening
the ground soldiers bugged out just before the start of the aerial bombing
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in departing
to leave a place often for another
the strange visitor bugged out without so much as saying a word
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bugging out
There’s a wonderful small moment midway through the season where Reilly’s lightly bugging out in his dingy apartment, shaking out his limbs at sharp, insectile angles to get comfortable.
—
Nicholas Quah,
Vulture,
26 May 2026
Her baby's father answered the door with his eyes bugging out, and Frierson barged in to find two other guys, needles, spoons and powder on the table.
—
Brad Schmitt,
The Tennessean,
21 Aug. 2025
Nicholas Quah,
Vulture,
26 May 2026
Her baby's father answered the door with his eyes bugging out, and Frierson barged in to find two other guys, needles, spoons and powder on the table.
—
Brad Schmitt,
The Tennessean,
21 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bugging out
Verb
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Rather than retreating into defensive shape after losing possession, teams are immediately attempting to recover the ball high up the pitch.
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Officials said the dog's owner attempted to use bear spray while retreating from the area but was unsuccessful.
Verb
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The model, 31, was seen departing for the ceremony with boyfriend Bradley Cooper, 51.
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Celebrations began Friday evening and stretched into the early hours of Saturday morning, with stars like Reese Witherspoon, Emma Stone and Paul Rudd seen departing the venue.
Verb
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Lastly, Salinas had an active warrant against him filed in May for fleeing from police after a hit and run.
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Upon arrival, officers saw two people and a child allegedly fleeing from the store into a vehicle.
Verb
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Asian national teams largely disappointed at the World Cup, with most exiting after the group stage, a stark contrast to African teams' historic success.
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The Ada County Coroner’s Office identified 65-year-old Dawn Hettinger of Nampa as the woman killed after exiting her vehicle on westbound Interstate 84 about 20 miles east of Boise.
Verb
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Taylor loves her Easter eggs, and there are rumors flying that Madison Square Garden is simply a bold ploy to redirect fans’ (and the media’s) attention away from where her true nuptials will be.
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So, at this point, the town of Calistoga doesn't seem willing to take a chance that flying cars will be showing up any time soon.
Verb
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Why China is moving fast with robot hospitality China has already embraced service robots in hotels, restaurants, airports and public spaces.
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Vibrations from earth-moving equipment could have triggered further collapses, possibly dooming Gil — and his would-be rescuers.
Verb
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Legacy giants are bolting AI features onto old platforms to justify seat prices.
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Ujiri engineered the trade in 2018 that brought Leonard to the Raptors without the player agreeing to an extension, and the result was a championship followed by Leonard bolting to the Clippers.
Verb
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The district is in the central part of Palm Beach County, running along the coast.
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Her car was found with its engine still running along the Blue Route off-ramp to Route 1.
Cite this Entry
“Bugging out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bugging%20out. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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