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
Relevance
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
Examples Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of outbreak
Since the outbreak, zoo officials said staff has taken safety precautions for themselves and the animals such as using additional personal protective equipment, removing opportunities for cross-contamination between species, and focused monitoring for changes in animal health or behavior.
—
William Lee, Chicago Tribune, 16 Jan. 2025
The cases mark the second outbreak of gastrointestinal illness on cruises that have met the agency’s threshold for public notification in 2025.
—Nathan Diller, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2025
Officials, who are still searching for the initial source of the outbreak, expect more cases to be identified.
—Katherine Hignett, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
While official health bodies in China have not stated that there is an outbreak of HMPV there, cases of the virus have risen in recent weeks according to the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
—Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for outbreak 
William Lee, Chicago Tribune, 16 Jan. 2025
The cases mark the second outbreak of gastrointestinal illness on cruises that have met the agency’s threshold for public notification in 2025.
—Nathan Diller, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2025
Officials, who are still searching for the initial source of the outbreak, expect more cases to be identified.
—Katherine Hignett, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
While official health bodies in China have not stated that there is an outbreak of HMPV there, cases of the virus have risen in recent weeks according to the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
—Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for outbreak
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outbreak
Noun
-
Lawmakers from both parties respond to the president’s flurry of executive orders.—
The Editors,
The Atlantic,
25 Jan. 2025
-
Some perspective: In 37 games last season, SDSU’s opponents attempted at least seven more free throws only once, and that was 11 at New Mexico amid a flurry of questionable calls.—
Mark Zeigler,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
What holds back CEOs and political leaders is the same thing: fear, fear of bad headlines or big revolts.—
Axios,
Axios,
20 Jan. 2025
-
When their tour group takes a train ride in first class, Benji revolts.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
16 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Boston is bracing for snow late this weekend as a burst of Arctic air drops temperatures into the teens.—
Rachel Dobkin,
Newsweek,
16 Jan. 2025
-
It was inspired by the neon colors of neon light artist James Turrell, adding bright bursts of pink and orange to their belts.—
Nadja Sayej,
Forbes,
15 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
The violent insurrection overshadowed the final days of Trump's first term and seemed at the time almost certain to rule out any future bid for the presidency.—
Justin Gest,
Newsweek,
20 Jan. 2025
-
The committee spent 18 months investigating Trump and the violent insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021.—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
20 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Page Six reported that the 58-year-old television chef had an outburst on Thursday, January 16, while shopping at Eataly NYC Downtown.—
Justin Gest,
Newsweek,
20 Jan. 2025
-
Speaking during his post-match interview on court, Medvedev appeared to be in good spirits and didn’t mention his outburst at the end of the third set.—
Ben Church,
CNN,
14 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
The 1948-49 uprising is seen by some historians as a precursor to the Korean War.—
Lydia Millet,
New York Times,
17 Jan. 2025
-
Some Korean veterans of that war were also involved in suppressing uprisings such as the one in Gwangju.—
Judith Shulevitz,
The Atlantic,
14 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Following the semi-successful mutiny in the final episode of season 1, Mark returns to the office to face punishment.—
Yaakov Katz,
Newsweek,
17 Jan. 2025
-
There were some other problems early on as well, but what a difference a mutiny makes.—
Dalton Ross,
EW.com,
12 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
Some see hope in Trump’s return Jan. 19, 2025 Separately, law enforcement authorities are investigating whether Yoon and others committed rebellion, abuse of power and other crimes in connection with the martial law decree.—
Hyung-Jin Kim,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Jan. 2025
-
The four are made to watch a corporate propaganda video (voiced by Keanu Reeves), which depicts their season 1 rebellion in a positive light, a protest that improved the company for the better.—
Dani Di Placido,
Forbes,
20 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near outbreak
Cite this Entry
“Outbreak.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outbreak. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share