break the mold
idiom
1
: to do something in a completely new way
Voters are looking for a candidate who will break the mold and give them honest answers.
2
informal
—used to describe a very unusual or admired person
He was the greatest man I ever knew. They broke the mold when they made that guy.
Examples of break the mold in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Although both, as the modern world does, break the mold somewhat.
—
Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 12 May 2025
The two decided to break the mold in 2014 when Ogwumike, the #1 WNBA Draft pick that year, chose then 24-year-old Galer as her agent.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 18 Mar. 2025
Traditionally, Indian brides wear red for the main ceremony, but Shivani felt inspired to break the mold.
—Alexandra MacOn, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2025
But real innovation—the kind that changes industries, opens doors, and creates new opportunities—comes from those willing to break the mold.
—Aj Thomas, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
Durant, at 6-foot-10, helped break the mold for bigs.
—Darnell Mayberry, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025
For those looking to break the mold, genetic screening offers an unexpected yet deeply personal gift idea that can spark curiosity and create unique opportunities to plan for the future.
—Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2025
Sean likes to break the mold, and kinda zig when everybody else is zagging.
—Vincent Perella, IndieWire, 2 Dec. 2024
Ready to break the mold and elevate your advertising?
—Anne Marie Nelson-Bogle, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
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Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 12 May 2025
The two decided to break the mold in 2014 when Ogwumike, the #1 WNBA Draft pick that year, chose then 24-year-old Galer as her agent.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 18 Mar. 2025
Traditionally, Indian brides wear red for the main ceremony, but Shivani felt inspired to break the mold.
—Alexandra MacOn, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2025
But real innovation—the kind that changes industries, opens doors, and creates new opportunities—comes from those willing to break the mold.
—Aj Thomas, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
Durant, at 6-foot-10, helped break the mold for bigs.
—Darnell Mayberry, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025
For those looking to break the mold, genetic screening offers an unexpected yet deeply personal gift idea that can spark curiosity and create unique opportunities to plan for the future.
—Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2025
Sean likes to break the mold, and kinda zig when everybody else is zagging.
—Vincent Perella, IndieWire, 2 Dec. 2024
Ready to break the mold and elevate your advertising?
—Anne Marie Nelson-Bogle, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Break the mold.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/break%20the%20mold. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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