1
as in flies
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 exits
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 bugs out
Sealing cracks, maintaining your yard, and using insect barriers are the most effective ways to keep boxelder bugs out.
—
Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Oct. 2025
The clear lids have a tight seal that locks the temperature in and keeps the fire ants and love bugs out.
—Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 19 Aug. 2025
Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Oct. 2025
The clear lids have a tight seal that locks the temperature in and keeps the fire ants and love bugs out.
—Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 19 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bugs out
Verb
-
When a mosquito comes and bites him, the bug immediately tastes the spice in his blood and flies away only to combust moments later.—
Jason Pham,
StyleCaster,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Five cookline flies and two dishwasher area flies were landing on kitchen walls and shelves.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Departures remained elevated, with 262 CFO exits worldwide—2% higher than 2024 and 5% above the seven‑year average—but appointments outpaced exits by 54 roles, the widest gap since Russell Reynolds began tracking CFO turnover in 2019.—
Sheryl Estrada,
Fortune,
11 Feb. 2026
-
The driver exits the SUV, and gunshots are heard roughly two seconds later.—
Andy Rose,
CNN Money,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
In the production, Hayes plays Elliott, a writer grappling with creative paralysis who retreats to a remote cabin, only to find the line between imagination and reality dangerously blurred.—
Dave Quinn,
PEOPLE,
1 Feb. 2026
-
Written by Shlesinger and directed by Josephine Decker, the comedian stars as fortysomething aid worker Jamie, who, after getting abruptly and publicly dumped, retreats back to her hometown to spend a few months with her parents (Megan Mullally and Jeff Perry) until her next relief mission.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Arriving a day or two before your cruise departs allows time to explore the port city without rushing.—
Eve Chen,
USA Today,
6 Feb. 2026
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When the original British cast departs, the show will be performed by an all-American cast for the first time.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The president flees these tradeoffs as a matter of course and flip-flops unpredictably when pressures rise.—
Edward Lotterman,
Twin Cities,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Benedict’s offer is met with deafening silence, before Sophie flees his embrace in distress.—
Savannah Walsh,
Vanity Fair,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Money may flow freely as the intuitive Moon moves through your 2nd House of Resources, trining lucky Jupiter in your 10th House of Goals.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
8 Feb. 2026
-
The intuitive Moon moves through your 9th House of Travel, heightening the longing to explore ideas that restore hope and widen your world.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
With that in mind, here are a few free agent options who could fit the Yankees if Bellinger bolts.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
14 Jan. 2026
-
The canine then bolts across the field and is immediately chased by one horse, with about five more joining in moments later.—
MSNBC Newsweek,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Blast bugs off your house with the garden hose.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
23 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bugs out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bugs%20out. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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