break the mold
idiom
1
: to do something in a completely new way
Voters are looking for a candidate who will break the mold and give them honest answers.
2
informal
—used to describe a very unusual or admired person
He was the greatest man I ever knew. They broke the mold when they made that guy.
Examples of break the mold in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The 21st-century definition of brand image means that some movie stars get typecast — unless, like Emma Stone, Kristen Stewart, Anna Kendrick, and Jennifer Lawrence, an actor leverages their mainstream success to break the mold and make independent films.
—
Clement Obropta, IndieWire, 16 June 2025
But Duggan is pitching himself as the right candidate to break the mold of the two-party system and touting his early support from members of both parties.
—Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 11 June 2025
Some accessibility impact-makers break the mold and fit into their own categories—from media training to venture capital.
—Alan Schwarz, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Their goal is simple: break the mold of how people perceive young Black men.
—Nicolle Majette, NBC news, 30 May 2025
Although both, as the modern world does, break the mold somewhat.
—Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 12 May 2025
The two decided to break the mold in 2014 when Ogwumike, the #1 WNBA Draft pick that year, chose then 24-year-old Galer as her agent.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 18 Mar. 2025
Traditionally, Indian brides wear red for the main ceremony, but Shivani felt inspired to break the mold.
—Alexandra MacOn, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2025
But real innovation—the kind that changes industries, opens doors, and creates new opportunities—comes from those willing to break the mold.
—Aj Thomas, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
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.
Clement Obropta, IndieWire, 16 June 2025
But Duggan is pitching himself as the right candidate to break the mold of the two-party system and touting his early support from members of both parties.
—Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 11 June 2025
Some accessibility impact-makers break the mold and fit into their own categories—from media training to venture capital.
—Alan Schwarz, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Their goal is simple: break the mold of how people perceive young Black men.
—Nicolle Majette, NBC news, 30 May 2025
Although both, as the modern world does, break the mold somewhat.
—Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 12 May 2025
The two decided to break the mold in 2014 when Ogwumike, the #1 WNBA Draft pick that year, chose then 24-year-old Galer as her agent.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 18 Mar. 2025
Traditionally, Indian brides wear red for the main ceremony, but Shivani felt inspired to break the mold.
—Alexandra MacOn, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2025
But real innovation—the kind that changes industries, opens doors, and creates new opportunities—comes from those willing to break the mold.
—Aj Thomas, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Break the mold.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/break%20the%20mold. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share