as in erupted
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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Recent Examples of broke out
Vargas is a rising filmmaker who broke out with Milk Teeth, a 2020 thriller short set at an orphanage that continues to expand its reach on YouTube with over 12 million views and counting.
—
Matt Grobar, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2025
That’s what happened in October 2019, when demonstrations against corruption and high unemployment broke out across Iraq, leading to street clashes that left hundreds of people dead.
—Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 28 Oct. 2025
However, last year, Sherwood broke out, racking up 158 tackles, a couple of sacks and three passes defended in a starting role.
—Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
Silas McCay, 21, told WBRC that the suspect tried talking to Kimber before a fight broke out.
—Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2025
The fire broke out in June 2024 when Stephen Kuehl and his family stayed at a rental cabin in Juneau County.
—Steven Martinez, jsonline.com, 21 Oct. 2025
Protests broke out in response to the shooting, and the then-governor deployed the National Guard for several days in response to the unrest.
—Chantelle Lee, Time, 21 Oct. 2025
Since the recent clashes broke out, at least three dozen civilians have been killed and hundreds wounded in Afghanistan, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said Thursday.
—Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 19 Oct. 2025
Atlanta, meanwhile, beat the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football last week as running back Bijan Robinson broke out for an 81-yard touchdown on his way to 238 total yards from scrimmage.
—Pueng Vongs, Mercury News, 19 Oct. 2025
Matt Grobar, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2025
That’s what happened in October 2019, when demonstrations against corruption and high unemployment broke out across Iraq, leading to street clashes that left hundreds of people dead.
—Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 28 Oct. 2025
However, last year, Sherwood broke out, racking up 158 tackles, a couple of sacks and three passes defended in a starting role.
—Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
Silas McCay, 21, told WBRC that the suspect tried talking to Kimber before a fight broke out.
—Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2025
The fire broke out in June 2024 when Stephen Kuehl and his family stayed at a rental cabin in Juneau County.
—Steven Martinez, jsonline.com, 21 Oct. 2025
Protests broke out in response to the shooting, and the then-governor deployed the National Guard for several days in response to the unrest.
—Chantelle Lee, Time, 21 Oct. 2025
Since the recent clashes broke out, at least three dozen civilians have been killed and hundreds wounded in Afghanistan, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said Thursday.
—Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 19 Oct. 2025
Atlanta, meanwhile, beat the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football last week as running back Bijan Robinson broke out for an 81-yard touchdown on his way to 238 total yards from scrimmage.
—Pueng Vongs, Mercury News, 19 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for broke out
Verb
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As Varsho trotted, the Rogers Centre erupted – and the fans kept partying on the club level well past midnight.—
Tyler Kepner,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
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Investigators believe gunfire erupted after an ICE officer confronted the suspect’s vehicle and smashed a window with their service weapon, a law enforcement source said.—
Eric Levenson,
CNN Money,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
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But then, in the second group phase — consisting of four groups of three, in the first 24-team World Cup — Italy exploded into life despite a very tough draw, defeating holders Argentina and favourites Brazil.—
Michael Cox,
New York Times,
26 Oct. 2025
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The Eagles' passing offense exploded in Week 7 against Minnesota for a season-high 316 passing yards in the 28-22 win on the road.—
Jacob Camenker,
USA Today,
26 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Broke out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/broke%20out. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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