1
as in flurry
a sudden and usually temporary growth of activity
there was an immediate outbreak of paper shuffling and a pretense of work when the supervisor passed through the room
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in revolt
open fighting against authority (as one's own government)
the government quelled the outbreak with ruthless efficiency
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of outbreak
The series begins in 1933 when Gies takes a job working for Frank and follows her through the outbreak of the war, the ordeal of occupation and the melancholy denouement that sees Otto emerge as the lone survivor from the attic.
—
David Faris, TheWeek, 24 Apr. 2026
Most disease outbreaks are undercounted because doctors may miss diagnoses of unfamiliar diseases and patients may not seek medical care for religious or cultural reasons.
—Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2026
The region-wide total is 57% lower than before the outbreak of the Iran war, analysts including Daan Struyven said in an April 23 note.
—Nicholas Lua, Bloomberg, 24 Apr. 2026
Months later, in 2019, a deadly measles outbreak began.
—Will Walters, STAT, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for outbreak
David Faris, TheWeek, 24 Apr. 2026
Most disease outbreaks are undercounted because doctors may miss diagnoses of unfamiliar diseases and patients may not seek medical care for religious or cultural reasons.
—Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2026
The region-wide total is 57% lower than before the outbreak of the Iran war, analysts including Daan Struyven said in an April 23 note.
—Nicholas Lua, Bloomberg, 24 Apr. 2026
Months later, in 2019, a deadly measles outbreak began.
—Will Walters, STAT, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for outbreak
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outbreak
Noun
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Crouse’s goals capped an early flurry that saw the Mammoth score four times over the first 30 minutes while being limited to only eight shots on goal during that stretch.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
25 Apr. 2026
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In a flurry of activity beginning on March 8, 2025, Purdue filed documents that show lines crossing out the eligibility criteria and victim compensation amounts, with no explanation or substitute language.—
Craig R. McCoy,
CNN Money,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
This tweet sparked a fierce revolt from tech executives and investors, many of whom were previously among Khanna’s biggest donors and allies.—
Jacqueline Munis,
Fortune,
23 Apr. 2026
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In England chaos reaches its zenith when a Kentishman named Jack Cade, encouraged by York (who has been sent to put down a revolt in Ireland), mounts an insurrection that plays havoc in the streets of London.—
Gitanjali Roy,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
As for Mitchell, James Tatum said, the burst of violence caught the family somewhat by surprise.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
26 Apr. 2026
-
His quick steps can cause tackles to lose their balance, and his burst to turn pressures into sacks is tremendous.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In England chaos reaches its zenith when a Kentishman named Jack Cade, encouraged by York (who has been sent to put down a revolt in Ireland), mounts an insurrection that plays havoc in the streets of London.—
Gitanjali Roy,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Four years later, her law firm helped defend against challenges to Trump’s eligibility for the ballot because of his role in encouraging the insurrection of January 6, 2021.—
Quinta Jurecic,
The Atlantic,
13 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Flagg and Knueppel traded places as betting favorites during the season, but Flagg’s 96-point outburst over two games on the second-to-last weekend might have tipped the scales.—
Schuyler Dixon,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2026
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The Bears took control with a 5-0 outburst in the third quarter for a 12-7 advantage over the defending champions.—
Glae Thien,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Though rebels surrendered, the uprising set the stage for the broader push against British occupation and ultimately, the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922.—
Tess Kenny,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2026
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For now, however, Rahmani warns that Iran’s domestic conditions may make any mass uprising extraordinarily difficult.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
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That’s when three-term incumbent Richard Woods will face four Republican challengers and a mutiny among GOP lawmakers, giving him what could be the toughest election he’s ever faced.—
Patricia Murphy,
AJC.com,
29 Apr. 2026
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This didn’t stop him from lining his commercial breakthrough, American Fool, with deeper meaning; with a kind of mutiny.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
What was expected to be a quick vote turned into an hourslong saga as some House Republicans launched a rebellion over an issue with an unrelated farm bill.—
Caitlin Yilek,
CBS News,
30 Apr. 2026
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The leader of the rebellion chatted with young kids carrying Princess Leia dolls and wearing Boba Fett masks.—
Brady MacDonald,
Oc Register,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Outbreak.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outbreak. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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