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

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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
The collection breaks out in suites with Wave, Ocean Flora, Urchin, Starfish, Seahorse and Sea Turtle. Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 24 Apr. 2025 Originally one part of a larger band, Santana was the lead guitarist and founder of his eponymous group before breaking out on his own. Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
Joel became a breakout figure for the franchise, both in the video games and in HBO's adaptation. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025 The soulful breakout single has now racked up an astounding 86 weeks on the Hot 100. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for break out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for break out
Verb
  • In a must-win situation Friday night, the St. Louis Blues erupted for four goals in the second period and won 5-2 over the Winnipeg Jets in Game 6.
    Jeremy Rutherford, New York Times, 2 May 2025
  • Kyiv Trump had earlier framed any deal as a way for Kyiv to repay U.S. military aid and President Volodymyr Zelensky was expected to sign a deal in Washington in February before it was shelved after a spat erupted between the presidents in the White House.
    Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • These products are elegant extensions of experience — products that allow guests to carry a piece of the escape into real life, while quietly reinforcing brand affinity in the most personal spaces.
    Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Photo: Cesar Bejar Quinta Amores For those seeking a slower, softer version of San Miguel de Allende, Quinta Amores offers a hushed escape on the edge of town.
    Michaela Trimble, Vogue, 28 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • World & Nation Measles cases exploded in Texas after stagnant vaccine funding.
    Rong-Gong Lin II, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Stateside, family moviegoing always explodes post-Christmas, and that’s when Mufasa began to show his claws against Sonic.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • A number of recent safety incidents at the airport have raised alarm, including a March 28 incident involving a Delta flight and a group of Air Force jets.
    David Shepardson, USA Today, 3 May 2025
  • The situation can be complicated further when a patient is navigating an unfamiliar medical system, has to overcome a language barrier, or takes a flight soon after an operation.
    Parizaad Khan Sethi, Allure, 2 May 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 7 May. 2025.

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