1
as in to retreat
to hasten away from something dangerous or frightening
the ground soldiers bugged out just before the start of the aerial bombing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to depart
to leave a place often for another
the strange visitor bugged out without so much as saying a word
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bug out
Verb
-
And in this story, Superman retreats from the world after being rejected by the public for adhering to an older moral code.—
Ari Daniel,
Smithsonian Magazine,
10 July 2025 -
The nonsectarian center hosts retreats that range from 3 to 13 nights, for a wide variety of experience levels, with a central focus on Theravadin teachings and bodhicitta (striving to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings).—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
9 July 2025
Verb
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Your domestic flight will depart at least three hours later than scheduled, or your international flight will depart at least six hours late.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
14 July 2025
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According to flight tracker Flightradar24, the plane departed at 2:36 p.m. and returned to the ground at 3:22 p.m.—
Colson Thayer,
People.com,
14 July 2025
Verb
-
In July 1987, flooding on the Guadalupe River in Kerr County forced hundreds of people to flee the area.—
Toria Sheffield,
People.com,
12 July 2025
-
In June, the U.N. said, more than 147,000 people fled their homes in the central region, once a bastion of safety for those trying to escape the horrors of the capital.—
Jacqueline Charles
July 11,
Miami Herald,
11 July 2025
Verb
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These hiking physical human augmentation wearables are exiting the Trough of Disillusionment, led by three factors that work in their favor: low price, influencer content, and public demonstrations.—
Borislav "Bobby" Marinov,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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People must exit the terminal by 10 p.m., unless meeting a late-arriving plane.—
Robert A. Cronkleton,
Kansas City Star,
30 June 2025
Verb
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Passengers flying in the United States at certain airports are no longer required to take off their shoes when going through security lines, according to news outlets including CBS News and The New York Times on Monday.—
Anna Commander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 July 2025
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Gunn’s approach is colorful, in both its palette and the costumes; proudly fantastical, with flying orbs, robots, portals, and giant monsters; and at times endearingly, intentionally corny (see: Krypto the super dog).—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
Verb
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The sale runs through July 11, but the best stuff’s already moving fast, so don’t wait too long to check out.—
Annie Blackman,
Allure,
8 July 2025
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As the storm moves away, this likelihood decreases.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
8 July 2025
Verb
-
On breaks, journalists would sometimes bolt out of the courthouse, furiously typing or relaying notes to editors over the phone in an attempt to be the first to file breaking news.—
Ethan Shanfeld,
Variety,
9 July 2025
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The Doberman had apparently bolted during the night and sought refuge in the stranger's yard.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 July 2025
Verb
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Maybe there's a path for Turner to get there eventually.—
Drew VonScio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 July 2025
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So much for my hope that Jess would get a promotion!—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
8 July 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Bug out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bug%20out. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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