1
as in to stop
to bring (as an action or operation) to an immediate end
the judge broke off court proceedings until after lunch
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to end
to come to an end
talks between the two sides broke off when one began making unreasonable demands
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of break off
That sparked a miles-long chase that broke off when the suspect reportedly started driving the wrong way on I-95, according to police.
—
Dan Snyder,
CBS News,
24 June 2026
The lead head had been chewed loose and now, on an exceptionally tough bass, the front hook broke off.
—
Hank Bradshaw,
Outdoor Life,
24 June 2026
Now, though, some branches are breaking off.
—
Ann Manov,
Harpers Magazine,
23 June 2026
Don’t twist or jerk the tick, which can cause the mouth to break off in your skin.
—
Reeti Malhotra,
Sacbee.com,
20 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for break off
Dan Snyder,
CBS News,
24 June 2026
The lead head had been chewed loose and now, on an exceptionally tough bass, the front hook broke off.
—
Hank Bradshaw,
Outdoor Life,
24 June 2026
Now, though, some branches are breaking off.
—
Ann Manov,
Harpers Magazine,
23 June 2026
Don’t twist or jerk the tick, which can cause the mouth to break off in your skin.
—
Reeti Malhotra,
Sacbee.com,
20 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for break off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for break off
Verb
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When there was a pause in the action, referee Raphael Claus stopped the match to look at VAR to determine whether Balogun committed a foul worthy of a red card.
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Making new friends isn’t something that has to stop at a certain point in your life.
Verb
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Soon after then-President Nicolás Maduro was captured by the US in January, Venezuela ended Cuba’s long-standing medical mission in the country, cutting off a key resource in underserved communities.
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Kirby gave up a one-out double to Josh Lowe in the fifth but struck out the side — including Neto — to end the inning.
Verb
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Sony Interactive Entertainment, the largest video game company in the world by direct revenue, will reportedly cease production of physical discs for its formidable library of games for the PlayStation console.
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Founder David DeHaney, who set up the company in 2016, announced the decision to cease trading and appoint an administrator on Thursday.
Verb
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Picking the right spots will become as important as ever, especially as more legacy contracts expire.
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The California Children’s Education and Health Care Protection Act of 2026 would indefinitely extend an existing tax on couples who make above $680,000 and individuals who make above $340,000 that’s currently set to expire in 2030.
Verb
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The blaze, which officials at one point estimated could reach 50 acres, had been halted at 5 acres.
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Three cases reached the Supreme Court under emergency requests to halt deportation flights.
Verb
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The bidding process that won AllHere the contract had concluded months before the Carvalho travel to Washington.
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The series is even, 1-1, and concludes Sunday afternoon.
Verb
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In it, Pearson delivered an opening monologue about his desire to quit dancing.
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Two years into what was intended to be a seven-year apprenticeship, Walton quit and followed his siblings south.
Verb
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Mysterio tripped Page onto the second rope, but Page cut off Rey Mysterio with a big boot as Rey attempted a 619.
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Soon after then-President Nicolás Maduro was captured by the US in January, Venezuela ended Cuba’s long-standing medical mission in the country, cutting off a key resource in underserved communities.
Cite this Entry
“Break off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/break%20off. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
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