break out 1 of 2

as in to erupt
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

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breakout

2 of 2

noun

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 break out
Verb
Gun battles broke out across the northern neighborhood of Nueva Prosperina on Thursday afternoon between members of criminal group Los Tiguerones, local police chief Pablo Davila told reporters. Fox News, 7 Mar. 2025 For every jogger who switches to the treadmill when the temperature drops, there’s another who breaks out their base layers and braves the cold to log their miles. Sara Coughlin, SELF, 5 Mar. 2025
Noun
Mikey Madison, the movie’s 25-year-old breakout star, triumphed in the race for best actress. Daniel Arkin, NBC News, 3 Mar. 2025 The film defied expectations, making Mr. Magoo UPA’s first breakout character and a signature role for actor Jim Backus, who later played millionaire Thurston Howell III on Gilligan’s Island. Jeremy Fassler, Vulture, 2 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for break out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for break out
Verb
  • The crowd, now more than a thousand people, erupted in cheers and applause.
    Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2025
  • While the audience erupted in cheers, the moment was unexpected and Berry later said the kiss was not planned.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Whether seeking adventure, cultural exploration, or a relaxing spa escape, families will find a well-rounded vacation experience in this stunning coastal spot.
    Judy Koutsky, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • More recently, he’s allowed for individual room rentals during peak seasons, thus welcoming almost-regular folks to that pristine Caribbean escape, which also happens to be a successful lemur refuge.
    Heidi Mitchell, Robb Report, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Then people start getting killed: a fatal injection in the shower, someone who gets shot and falls into an exploding brickhouse of fireworks, and plenty of knives out.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 8 Mar. 2025
  • SpaceX's Starship spacecraft, which exploded just minutes into its flight on Thursday, was uncrewed, and no injuries have been reported.
    William Lambers, Newsweek, 8 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • SpaceX aimed to launch the eighth test flight of Starship — the biggest and most powerful rocket ever built — from its Starbase site in South Texas on Monday evening (March 3).
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Mercedes-Benz provided flights from Albany, New York, to Arjeplog, Sweden, and accommodation so Ars could drive the CLA prototypes.
    Tim Stevens, Ars Technica, 3 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Break out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/break%20out. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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