1
as in to stop
to bring (as an action or operation) to an immediate end
the judge broke off court proceedings until after lunch
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to end
to come to an end
talks between the two sides broke off when one began making unreasonable demands
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of break off
As garments are laundered and worn, small fiber pieces break off.
—
Carved In Blue, Sourcing Journal, 2 Apr. 2025
Today, China has displaced the United States as the primary trading partner for several major economies and persuaded most countries in the region to break off formal ties with Taiwan.
—Matias Spektor, Foreign Affairs, 1 Apr. 2025
But the Packers ranked 29th in kick returns, as teams were willing to give them those extra five yards on a touchback instead of risking Nixon breaking off a long return.
—Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
This can shorten the lifespan of your rug but also harm your dryer if bits of rubber break off and get stuck in hard-to-reach areas.
—Katelyn Squiers, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for break off
Carved In Blue, Sourcing Journal, 2 Apr. 2025
Today, China has displaced the United States as the primary trading partner for several major economies and persuaded most countries in the region to break off formal ties with Taiwan.
—Matias Spektor, Foreign Affairs, 1 Apr. 2025
But the Packers ranked 29th in kick returns, as teams were willing to give them those extra five yards on a touchback instead of risking Nixon breaking off a long return.
—Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
This can shorten the lifespan of your rug but also harm your dryer if bits of rubber break off and get stuck in hard-to-reach areas.
—Katelyn Squiers, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for break off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for break off
Verb
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Has Bacteria-Fighting Properties A study found that ACV helped stop the growth of two harmful bacteria: methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli).—
Johna Burdeos,
Health,
7 Apr. 2025
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He belly flopped onto the ice in ecstasy and relief before he was mobbed by his teammates, and then the game stopped to celebrate the greatest goal scorer who ever lived.—
Chris Jones,
The Atlantic,
6 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Lawmakers can typically override a governor’s veto with another vote on the bill if the legislation receives two-thirds support from each chamber, though the Idaho Legislature ended this year’s regular legislative session early this month.—
Alex Brizee,
Idaho Statesman,
15 Apr. 2025
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Museum of African-American History Faces Uncertain Future After Federal Grant Terminated The Museum of African American History in Boston is facing financial uncertainty after the federal government abruptly ended its three-year grant.—
Oumou Fofana,
Essence,
14 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The cuts do not necessarily mean a program will cease to operate.—
Melody Schreiber,
NPR,
11 Apr. 2025
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The Department of Government Efficiency may not last much longer, but that doesn’t mean fraud and waste will cease.—
Boston Herald editorial staff,
Boston Herald,
11 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The fate of president of basketball operations James Jones is not yet known, but his contract expires at the end of June, league sources said, and Ishbia is widely expected to consider new candidates for the role.—
Doug Haller,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
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With key provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) set to expire at the end of this year, Washington is debating tax reform behind closed doors, and their decisions will reverberate through every corner of American life.—
Jack Salmon,
National Review,
14 Apr. 2025
Verb
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In Afghanistan, where over 23 million people rely on aid, the cuts will end food support for millions, halt care for malnourished children, and disrupt maternal health services.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Apr. 2025
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However, Venezuelan advocates recommend re-registering as soon as possible to avoid any potential disruptions in case an unfavorable ruling halts the registration process.—
Verónica Egui Brito,
Miami Herald,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
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China's tariff rate is now in triple digit territory, and who knows what happens in 90 days when this pause concludes.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Apr. 2025
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Increasingly, health care professionals are concluding that as global heat increases so too do allergy symptoms.—
Jeffrey Kluger,
Time,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Despite Hill being overtly frustrated about the end of the season, quitting on a team is never the right move.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Apr. 2025
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Beginning in April 2020, parents of former Squad members — who had all quit over the toxic work environment — began to contact various authorities over Smith’s business operation, according to the Los Angeles Times.—
Lynsey Eidell,
People.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The witness told investigators that Griffin swerved to cut off Francis, court documents read, at which point Francis pulled up beside the of the green Sierra and allegedly fired four to five shots into the truck through the front window on the drivers’ side.—
Ilana Arougheti,
Kansas City Star,
10 Apr. 2025
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Italy has halted talks on a potential $1.5 billion deal for secure government communications amid outrage over threats to cut off Ukraine’s access to Starlink.—
Jeremy Bogaisky,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Break off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/break%20off. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.
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