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
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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of bug out
Sealing cracks, maintaining your yard, and using insect barriers are the most effective ways to keep boxelder bugs out.
—
Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Oct. 2025
Her baby's father answered the door with his eyes bugging out, and Frierson barged in to find two other guys, needles, spoons and powder on the table.
—Brad Schmitt, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025
The clear lids have a tight seal that locks the temperature in and keeps the fire ants and love bugs out.
—Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 19 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bug out
Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Oct. 2025
Her baby's father answered the door with his eyes bugging out, and Frierson barged in to find two other guys, needles, spoons and powder on the table.
—Brad Schmitt, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025
The clear lids have a tight seal that locks the temperature in and keeps the fire ants and love bugs out.
—Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 19 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bug out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bug out
Verb
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In the example below from their 2-1 win over Girona, Barcelona man-mark the opposition midfielders but Fermin Lopez’s passive positioning allows a pass into retreating centre-forward Portu.—
Anantaajith Raghuraman,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
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Teddy demands that Michelle take him and Don to her Andromedan leader in the hope of forcing the invaders to retreat.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Book a Weekday Flight Dong says if your trip allows, book a flight that departs during the week as opposed to the weekend.—
Sherri Gordon,
Parents,
23 Oct. 2025
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Since Olympic charter flights to Milan will be departing from the New York area, and because the Islanders had been promised an event in February 2026, the possibility of doing a big press availability was discussed as an alternative.—
Chris Johnston,
New York Times,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Mykola, who fled the war in Ukraine in 2024, was a practicing doctor in Kyiv.—
Aditi Sangal,
CNN Money,
27 Oct. 2025
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The United Nations' migration agency said 2,500 to 3,000 people had fled El Fasher since Sunday.—
NPR,
NPR,
27 Oct. 2025
Verb
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So when Barkley exited Sunday’s Week 8 matchup against the New York Giants at the end of the third quarter, Eagles fans were likely holding their breath.—
Michael Gallagher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Oct. 2025
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Trent Battle steps up TCU starting running back Kevorian Barnes exited the game after just one carry with an unknown injury, forcing the Horned Frogs to rely on their depth.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
26 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Alaska is the fifth largest US airline and flies 44 million passengers each year to 120 destinations in five countries, accoring to its website.—
Aaron Cooper,
CNN Money,
24 Oct. 2025
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As a defender in the English Premier League for 12 years, Higginbotham rarely had to fly.—
Rustin Dodd,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The buttery-soft fabric is lightweight and stretchy enough to move with you while still retaining its shape over time.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
26 Oct. 2025
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On top of that responsibility and stress, he was frustrated with the Blazers’ losing and his role moving forward.—
Jason Quick,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
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San Juan Hills bolted to a 6-0 lead in the third set and, with Hodges scoring on kills and blocks, went on to its 25-11 win to go ahead in sets 2-1.—
Steve Fryer,
Oc Register,
23 Oct. 2025
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Bleacher Report's Erik Beaston recently predicted Bregman would betray the Red Sox and bolt for a deal with the Detroit Tigers this winter.—
Zach Pressnell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Ciske has also gotten creative in making sure kids can keep coming with their guardians.—
Jordyn Noennig,
jsonline.com,
27 Oct. 2025
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The company got Turkish movie legend Mehmet Çevik as a pitchman.—
Moisés Naím,
Literary Hub,
27 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bug out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bug%20out. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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