as in splits
the act or process of a whole separating into two or more parts or pieces
the breakup of the Soviet Union and the collapse of communism pretty much signaled the end of the Cold War
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Recent Examples of breakups
Taaffe had 222 tackles, seven interceptions, 21 pass breakups and three sacks over three seasons as a starter and another as a rotational defender.
—
David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
Enter Masses, who tied for the FBS lead with 18 pass breakups and added five interceptions in his lone season with the Golden Bears.
—Sam Warren, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026
The Dolphins’ cornerback room was in shambles, and Johnson immediately brings his ball skills (six interceptions and 16 pass breakups over the past three seasons) to the starting lineup.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 26 Apr. 2026
The 6-footer totaled 10 pass breakups and two interceptions in three college seasons.
—Steve Megargee, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
Studies on early-stage companies suggest that interpersonal strain, not market conditions, is one of the leading causes of founder breakups, with some research indicating that teams built on personal relationships are more prone to conflict and turnover.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026
Despite going through breakups in the public eye, many Hollywood couples decided to remain friends after calling it quits.
—Avalon Hester, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026
Across his final two collegiate seasons at Houston and LSU, Haulcy totaled 162 tackles, eight interceptions and 12 pass breakups, earning first-team All-Big 12 honors in 2024 and All-SEC recognition in 2025.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
One of the most prominent hitmakers of the era were Human League — one of the few bands to endure for more than four decades without massive fights, angst and breakups.
—Pat Saperstein, Variety, 16 Apr. 2026
David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
Enter Masses, who tied for the FBS lead with 18 pass breakups and added five interceptions in his lone season with the Golden Bears.
—Sam Warren, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026
The Dolphins’ cornerback room was in shambles, and Johnson immediately brings his ball skills (six interceptions and 16 pass breakups over the past three seasons) to the starting lineup.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 26 Apr. 2026
The 6-footer totaled 10 pass breakups and two interceptions in three college seasons.
—Steve Megargee, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
Studies on early-stage companies suggest that interpersonal strain, not market conditions, is one of the leading causes of founder breakups, with some research indicating that teams built on personal relationships are more prone to conflict and turnover.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026
Despite going through breakups in the public eye, many Hollywood couples decided to remain friends after calling it quits.
—Avalon Hester, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026
Across his final two collegiate seasons at Houston and LSU, Haulcy totaled 162 tackles, eight interceptions and 12 pass breakups, earning first-team All-Big 12 honors in 2024 and All-SEC recognition in 2025.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
One of the most prominent hitmakers of the era were Human League — one of the few bands to endure for more than four decades without massive fights, angst and breakups.
—Pat Saperstein, Variety, 16 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for breakups
Noun
-
Besides differences between Republicans and Democrats, intra-party splits have meant past efforts struggled to get widespread support.—
Emily Wilkins,
CNBC,
22 Apr. 2026
-
On a runway, dancers duckwalk and spin, stick their hands in the air and wiggle their fingers, then drop into splits and shoot their legs into the air like exclamation marks.—
Emily Nussbaum,
New Yorker,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
There could be more dissolutions and consolidations in the future.—
Joseph States,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Jan. 2026
-
The drama that sometimes follows their dissolutions speaks to a broader uncertainty in the air about how gay couples should be.—
Paul McAdory,
Them.,
9 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
From bright orange to casual khaki, this belt bag comes in a wide variety of colors, all crafted from waterproof fabric with plenty of pockets and partitions.—
Lane Nieset,
Travel + Leisure,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Inside, the seating has personal storage and moveable partitions for more seclusion or more socialization onboard as well as moody lighting.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
13 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The milestone festivities come amid deep political divisions that have seeped into nearly every facet of American life, including how people view the country’s history and identity.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2026
-
The authority’s popularity has been weakened by corruption and autocratic rule, its failure to establish an independent state while Israel expands West Bank settlements, and divisions with Hamas.—
Sam Metz,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Grade separations greatly improve safety by reducing the chance of collisions between trains and cars, as well as cyclists and pedestrians.—
Phil Diehl,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Family separations cause grief, confusion, attachment disruption and guilt for children, often leading to lifelong emotional and psychological suffering.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Given the schisms, some in the GOP believe only a single party-line bill may end up passing before November.—
Burgess Everett,
semafor.com,
9 Apr. 2026
-
But over the past decade or so, major schisms have emerged.—
Andy Greene,
Rolling Stone,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Breakups.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/breakups. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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