break open

verb

broke open; broken open; breaking open; breaks open
: to open or to cause (something) to open suddenly
The pods broke open and the seeds scattered on the wind.
The police broke open the door.
The burglars broke the locked safe open.

Examples of break open in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The two-run shot broke open what had been a tight contest in the opener of a three-game series. — Sean Hammond, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2026 Her stepmother was able to break open and widen a small hole, and pull her father out of the building. — Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026 The Jackets then broke open the lead with a two RBI single to right field from Clary. — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 June 2026 Troy added to its lead in the top of the eight inning on a three-run home run by Boroff, who broke open Sunday night’s game with a grand slam. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for break open

Rhymes for break open

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Browse Nearby Words

break one's wrists
break open
breakout
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Break open.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/break%20open. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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