break out 1 of 2

verb

Definition of break outnext
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

ˈbrāk-ˌau̇t How to pronounce breakout (audio)
as in escape
the act or an instance of getting free from danger or confinement the captives had been planning to stage a breakout at the next change in shift for the guards

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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
Jose Fajardo won third place in News Photo for an image capturing a large plume of smoke rising over the East Bay after a fire broke out at a Martinez refinery. — Bryce Martin, Mercury News, 2 July 2026 Two people are dead and at least one more is injured after a shooting broke out between two parties at Fairlane Town Center mall in Dearborn, Michigan, on Friday, police said. — Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 3 July 2026
Noun
An uncouth mix of stress and chlorine exposure recently left my skin simultaneously drier and more breakout-prone than it's been in quite a long time, and my usual routine of a quarter-size drop of skin tint just wasn’t cutting it anymore. — Sarah Hoffmann, Allure, 1 July 2026 Leading that group are breakouts Jacob Lofland and Michelle Randolph, who are going up to $130K – $180K an episode next season, sources said. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for break out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for break out
  1. erupt
  2. escape
  3. explode
  4. flight
Verb
  • Spontaneous applause erupted — and even some tears were shed — at the battered parking structure where Gil had been entombed since the two temblors struck within seconds of each other on June 24.
    — Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
  • Anyone who thinks that the differences between these sects are minor is invited to read about the wars, massacres and persecutions that erupted between them in the 16th and 17th centuries.
    — Kenneth Seeskin, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Definition of erupt
Noun
  • From adults-only pools to tranquil spas, these luxury resorts offer relaxing escapes tailored to travelers over 50.
    — Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 7 July 2026
  • From there, he will be housed at another state correctional facility and his case will be referred to Nevada County District Attorney’s Office for possible escape charges, the statement read.
    — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026
Definition of escape
Verb
  • With no natural predators and the ability to breed year-round, their populations have exploded over the decades.
    — Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
  • In early January 2025, weeks after UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was gunned down on the streets of New York City, a monstrous wildfire exploded in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles.
    — Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 5 July 2026
Definition of explode
Noun
  • The flight landed safely at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, where officers with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department took Lopez into custody.
    — Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • The flight of salsas and chicharrón de queso at Taquearte in Pico Rivera.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of flight

Browse Nearby Words

break off (with)
break out
breakout
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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 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on break out

Nglish: Translation of break out for Spanish Speakers

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