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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bugging out
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
Brad Schmitt, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bugging out
Verb
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When hunger calls, head to Osteria del Sotto Sale for fresh seafood and pasta before retreating to Dimora dell'Olivastro, a tranquil guesthouse set among olive groves.—
Nicky Swallow,
Travel + Leisure,
17 May 2026
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And the country’s disconnection from the regime comes as Putin has removed himself from public life, literally retreating into a bunker.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
16 May 2026
Verb
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For those who have traveled to the outbreak area, Hopkins recommends monitoring for symptoms for three weeks after departing and seeking immediate care if symptoms develop.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
19 May 2026
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Variety has learned that Luke Kirby is joining the Citytv series, while series star Aden Young is departing the show.—
Joe Otterson,
Variety,
19 May 2026
Verb
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Castro, 94, and his brother, Fidel Castro, were accused of ordering the Cuban air force to shoot down two civilian planes that belonged to the Brothers nonprofit group, which carried out rescue missions to save Cubans fleeing their homeland.—
Nicole Acevedo,
NBC news,
19 May 2026
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Ricardo Navarrete brought his love of soccer from Colombia to Chicago in 2022, after fleeing his native country with his mom Liliana.—
Charlie De Mar,
CBS News,
19 May 2026
Verb
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Approximately two hours later, a third shooting was reported after witnesses observed a suspect wearing a black hoodie exiting a black sedan at another apartment complex and firing through the door of a third-floor unit, police said.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
18 May 2026
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Several people were treated for ear pain after exiting an Allegiant plane that returned to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport because of cabin pressure issues Monday afternoon, according to Broward Sheriff’s Office Fire Rescue and the airline.—
David Goodhue,
Miami Herald,
18 May 2026
Verb
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These include serving as a flying test bed for in orbit manufacturing of alloys, composite materials, and fibers as well as research and production of space medicine.—
Aditya Jadhav,
Interesting Engineering,
18 May 2026
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Bystanders, including young children, were forced to corner themselves inside the restaurant to avoid being struck by the flying chairs.—
Mike Stunson,
USA Today,
18 May 2026
Verb
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In other words, this is basically a demonic-possession story, albeit one without any actual demons; at one point, Nikki briefly starts moving backward for no reason.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
15 May 2026
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Meanwhile Varda is planning for more partnerships and a faster launch cadence, eventually moving from a launch per quarter to every other month.—
Ramin Skibba,
Scientific American,
15 May 2026
Verb
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The trick is integrating them during the remodel, rather than bolting them on after a fall.—
Amy Kunst,
Sacbee.com,
7 May 2026
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None bigger than the bombshell on April 28 that this OPEC stalwart for nearly 60 years is bolting.—
Shawn Tully,
Fortune,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The Aura Cedar Outdoor Bar from Modern Shade is just under eight feet long, five feet wide, and eight feet tall, with a dual-level bar running along one of the long walls and a TV mount occupying the other.—
Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
16 May 2026
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Resident video shows aftermath Initial video released Sunday by a nearby resident showed officers running along the light‑rail tracks toward a person, and one officer kicking away what appears to be a gun from the individual on the ground.—
Doug Myers,
CBS News,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bugging out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bugging%20out. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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