1
as in flies
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 exits
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 bugs 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
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
Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Oct. 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bugs out
Verb
-
Vertical flies under an arrangement that has been accumulating evidence toward certification for three years.—
Deni Ellis Béchard,
Scientific American,
25 Apr. 2026
-
The National Guard unit flies F-16 Fighting Falcon jet aircraft.—
Paula Wethington,
CBS News,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
African oil producers face a more volatile future after the United Arab Emirates exits OPEC on May 1 — a move that could weaken a cartel many of them rely on to support prices.—
Yinka Adegoke,
semafor.com,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Nick Jonas exits his hotel in New York on April 24.—
Toria Sheffield,
PEOPLE,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
As Siâvash increasingly retreats into imaginary characters, the documentary traces a sibling relationship shaped and strained by displacement, set against a backdrop of escalating tension between Iran and the United States that carries personal consequences for both subjects.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Garcia retreats, the video shows.—
Ruben Vives,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
After this storm departs on Sunday, the Bay Area will see a drying pattern through the end of April, Canepa said.—
Caelyn Pender,
Mercury News,
26 Apr. 2026
-
This particular instance, however, departs from cliché in important ways.—
Susan Tallman,
The New York Review of Books,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Searchlight is in development on Lottery, a Permut Presentations drama about a young man with Down syndrome who, after winning the lottery, flees his estranged mother and hits the road with a charming new friend who has ulterior motives of her own.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Following a violent outburst from Robert, Nancy gets in her car and flees in the last scene of the episode.—
Arushi Jacob,
Variety,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Carr is a natural athlete who moves like a great shortstop, and his ability to find cleaner throwing air out of the pocket — and his ability to make throws from multiple arm slots — is special.—
Nick Baumgardner,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
As the Moon moves through your 9th House of Learning, conversations shape direction.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
If Leonard bolts, the Clippers will look to rebuild around young point guard Darius Garland, who came to the team in the Harden trade.—
Janis Carr,
Oc Register,
17 Apr. 2026
-
With that in mind, here are a few free agent options who could fit the Yankees if Bellinger bolts.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Blast bugs off your house with the garden hose.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
23 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bugs out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bugs%20out. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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