fall apart

phrase

Synonyms of fall apartnext
1
: disintegrate
The pie was falling apart as I served it.
2
: to succumb to mental or emotional stress : break down
She began to fall apart when her son was imprisoned.

Examples of fall apart 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 system should fall apart quickly Wednesday, but heavy rain will still be a concern in eastern India. — Aoife Walsh, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026 The sender's email address exposes the scam Here's where the message falls apart. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026 Her departure is not guaranteed and the talks could fall apart, the people said. — Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 25 Oct. 2026 Sandy Springs is trying again to kick-start the expansion of its walkable town center called City Springs after a prior deal fell apart. — Amy Wenk, AJC.com, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fall apart

Word History

First Known Use

1761, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fall apart was in 1761

Cite this Entry

“Fall apart.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fall%20apart. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on fall apart

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster