1
as in fled
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 departed
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
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Recent Examples of bugged out
Matt, your eyes just really bugged out!
—
Kate Aurthur, Variety, 21 Nov. 2025
Kate Aurthur, Variety, 21 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bugged out
Verb
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The job requires some versatility, one deputy working on the team said, citing times people have fled or had drugs in the car.—
Ryan Oehrli,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Apr. 2026
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Among the suspects was Juan Colmenero, 20, of Emeryville, who investigators said fled to Puerto Rico following the deadly shooting.—
Darrell Smith,
Sacbee.com,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The Padres’ only run in the first six innings came on a home run by Ty France in the fifth off Brandon Pfaadt, who had taken over for starter Zac Gallen, who departed following the third inning after being hit in his throwing shoulder by a line drive.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
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The six trucks departed Van in eastern Turkey to pass through the Gurbulak border crossing, Van Health Director Muhammed Tosun said.—
Sarah Dean,
NBC news,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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But precisely as its students triumphed, Achievement First retreated from its founding commitments.—
Steven F. Wilson,
The Atlantic,
24 Apr. 2026
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The price of Brent crude oil, the international standard, retreated on the news, falling to around $104 a barrel.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Webster then exited the module and turned off the camera.—
Kelly Davis,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
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The vessels have exited the Strait of Hormuz but face severe restrictions despite earlier clearance given by the Iranian government, he was cited as saying by the national Bernama news agency.—
Sarah Dean,
NBC news,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Dach moved to center on a line with Alexandre Texier and Zack Bolduc, with Oliver Kapanen moving up to center a line with Ivan Demidov and Alex Newhook.—
Arpon Basu,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
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Meanwhile, Uranus has moved into a new part of your chart.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Police swarmed in, and the people in the car bolted and were also on the loose in the surrounding neighborhood early Monday morning.—
Kris Habermehl,
CBS News,
27 Apr. 2026
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According to other attendees, including Times journalists, event staffers were checking tickets, though not very thoroughly, at multiple points prior to escalators that descended to the metal detectors where Allen allegedly bolted past armed security.—
Tony Briscoe,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Luke Kornet got the Game 3 start against the Trail Blazers in Wembanyama’s absence, finishing with 14 points and 10 rebounds.—
Anne M. Peterson,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
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Onyemata was one of the free-agent signings the Jets got the most praise for — a rock-solid veteran defensive tackle who can help in both the run and pass game.—
Zack Rosenblatt,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Nearly a year after 10 inmates escaped a New Orleans jail through a hole in the wall, a special grand jury has indicted the local sheriff on criminal corruption and obstruction charges in connection with the biggest jailbreak in recent American history.—
Greg Hilburn,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2026
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Authorities said the 10 inmates escaped from the Orleans Justice Center in the early morning hours after climbing through a hole behind a toilet.—
Meredith Deliso,
ABC News,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bugged out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bugged%20out. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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