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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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
During the summer of 1768, a riot broke out in Boston, led by laborers, tradesmen, and sailors protesting against these unjust policing practices. Time, 9 Oct. 2025 President Clinton, who backed free trade despite the Democratic Party’s ostensible ties to organized labor, was still in office when the Seattle protests broke out. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2025
Noun
My line in the sand here is $3,900 which was resistance in the first half of the year prior to the August breakout. Josh Brown,sean Russo, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2025 The pass rush harassed both Rush and Huntley in the backfield, and Quentin Lake had a breakout performance with an interception and a fumble recovery. The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for break out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for break out
Verb
  • Most of the crowd, which numbered around 25,000, was rooting for Argentina and erupted when Lo Celso’s shot hit the back of the net.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 2025
  • The Panthers erupted for 62 unanswered points to cruise to a 62-17 win on Thursday at Newsom Stadium.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The Broncos closed his escape routes, too, limiting his impact as a scrambler.
    Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Easily accessible via Amtrak’s Northeast Regional line, Roanoke may be the perfect destination for a car-free weekend escape to the mountains.
    Erin Gifford, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The frustration has exploded online, with customers sharing horror stories on Reddit of missing skin care products, art and collectibles.
    Kayla Steinberg, NBC news, 10 Oct. 2025
  • After the fireworks exploded, after Orion Kerkering bent to his knees in despair, after the Los Angeles Dodgers mobbed the field and claimed the National League Division Series with a 2-1 walk-off win in Game 4, the Phillies processed it all in the Dodger Stadium visitors clubhouse.
    Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The program will also focus on electronic systems within aircraft such as communication, navigation and other flight instruments.
    Sydney Sasser, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The Lakewood brewery will debut its own signature pickle beer alongside a Pickled Bloody Mary seltzer bar, pickle beer flights, and a pickle beer chugging contest.
    John Wenzel, Denver Post, 16 Oct. 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 17 Oct. 2025.

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