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
As garments are laundered and worn, small fiber pieces break off.
—
Carved In Blue, Sourcing Journal, 2 Apr. 2025
Today, China has displaced the United States as the primary trading partner for several major economies and persuaded most countries in the region to break off formal ties with Taiwan.
—Matias Spektor, Foreign Affairs, 1 Apr. 2025
But the Packers ranked 29th in kick returns, as teams were willing to give them those extra five yards on a touchback instead of risking Nixon breaking off a long return.
—Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
This can shorten the lifespan of your rug but also harm your dryer if bits of rubber break off and get stuck in hard-to-reach areas.
—Katelyn Squiers, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for break off
Carved In Blue, Sourcing Journal, 2 Apr. 2025
Today, China has displaced the United States as the primary trading partner for several major economies and persuaded most countries in the region to break off formal ties with Taiwan.
—Matias Spektor, Foreign Affairs, 1 Apr. 2025
But the Packers ranked 29th in kick returns, as teams were willing to give them those extra five yards on a touchback instead of risking Nixon breaking off a long return.
—Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
This can shorten the lifespan of your rug but also harm your dryer if bits of rubber break off and get stuck in hard-to-reach areas.
—Katelyn Squiers, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for break off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for break off
Verb
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Has Bacteria-Fighting Properties A study found that ACV helped stop the growth of two harmful bacteria: methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli).—
Johna Burdeos,
Health,
7 Apr. 2025
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Hansi Flick will surely remember the outstanding save from former Liverpool goalkeeper Adrian to stop Jules Kounde in the second half, as well as the last-minute cross from Raphinha that Robert Lewandowski or Fermin Lopez failed to tap in.—
Pol Ballús,
New York Times,
6 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Fresh from ending his contract saga and signing a new two-year deal in midweek, Mohamed Salah produced a sumptuous outside-of-the-boot pass to tee up Luis Diaz for the game’s opening goal early on but Andy Robertson’s 86th-minute own goal looked to have spoiled the party at Anfield.—
Daniel Taylor,
New York Times,
13 Apr. 2025
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Closer Robert Suarez was the beneficiary of Tatis’ game-ending catch (watch video here) on a Kris Bryant line drive that traveled 347 feet and had a 77% hit probability.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Some ceased vaccination clinics, halted wastewater surveillance programs and even terminated a contract with the courier service that transports specimens to state labs to test for infectious diseases.—
Duaa Eldeib,
ProPublica,
11 Apr. 2025
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The Department of Government Efficiency may not last much longer, but that doesn’t mean fraud and waste will cease.—
Boston Herald editorial staff,
Boston Herald,
11 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Keep Americans Covered, a coalition of major health care groups, launched a seven-figure ad campaign Monday, pushing for the need to extend enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits that are due to expire this year.—
Victoria Knight,
Axios,
31 Mar. 2025
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The probability that an option expires in the money is roughly equivalent to the absolute value of the option delta.—
Michael Khouw,
CNBC,
31 Mar. 2025
Verb
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In Afghanistan, where over 23 million people rely on aid, the cuts will end food support for millions, halt care for malnourished children, and disrupt maternal health services.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Apr. 2025
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Several factors could halt the tariffs imposed by Mr. Trump, according to experts.—
Alain Sherter,
CBS News,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
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China's tariff rate is now in triple digit territory, and who knows what happens in 90 days when this pause concludes.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Apr. 2025
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The audience peaked with around 21.1M viewers as the nail-biting game, in which the Gators trailed for a majority of the time, was concluding.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Despite Hill being overtly frustrated about the end of the season, quitting on a team is never the right move.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Apr. 2025
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Beginning in April 2020, parents of former Squad members — who had all quit over the toxic work environment — began to contact various authorities over Smith’s business operation, according to the Los Angeles Times.—
Lynsey Eidell,
People.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The witness told investigators that Griffin swerved to cut off Francis, court documents read, at which point Francis pulled up beside the of the green Sierra and allegedly fired four to five shots into the truck through the front window on the drivers’ side.—
Ilana Arougheti,
Kansas City Star,
10 Apr. 2025
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Italy has halted talks on a potential $1.5 billion deal for secure government communications amid outrage over threats to cut off Ukraine’s access to Starlink.—
Jeremy Bogaisky,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Break off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/break%20off. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.
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