1
as in to retreat
to hasten away from something dangerous or frightening
the ground soldiers bugged out just before the start of the aerial bombing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to depart
to leave a place often for another
the strange visitor bugged out without so much as saying a word
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bug out
Verb
-
And in this story, Superman retreats from the world after being rejected by the public for adhering to an older moral code.—
Ari Daniel,
Smithsonian Magazine,
10 July 2025 -
The nonsectarian center hosts retreats that range from 3 to 13 nights, for a wide variety of experience levels, with a central focus on Theravadin teachings and bodhicitta (striving to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings).—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
9 July 2025
Verb
-
Your domestic flight will depart at least three hours later than scheduled, or your international flight will depart at least six hours late.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
14 July 2025
-
According to flight tracker Flightradar24, the plane departed at 2:36 p.m. and returned to the ground at 3:22 p.m.—
Colson Thayer,
People.com,
14 July 2025
Verb
-
In July 1987, flooding on the Guadalupe River in Kerr County forced hundreds of people to flee the area.—
Toria Sheffield,
People.com,
12 July 2025
-
Some thought the noises were gunfire, which prompted large groups to flee the park.—
Cameron Knight,
The Enquirer,
11 July 2025
Verb
-
Here, exiting through the gift shop—fittingly named Lucky Rabbit—is a way to keep the story going at home.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
14 July 2025
-
The pilot and three passengers were able to safely exit the plane.—
Grethel Aguila,
Miami Herald,
14 July 2025
Verb
-
Where will flags be at half-staff in Wisconsin? Per Evers' executive order, American flag and the Wisconsin state flag fly half-staff at all buildings, grounds and military installations belonging to the state of Wisconsin.—
Cailey Gleeson,
jsonline.com,
19 July 2025
-
The scene concludes with a lot of digital images flying up on the screen and some positively insane synthesizer music from composer Ennio Morricone.—
Jordan Hoffman,
EW.com,
19 July 2025
Verb
-
Residents of several communities were ordered to move inland to higher ground.—
John Bacon,
USA Today,
20 July 2025
-
If practice is canceled or moved indoors due to the weather, paid ticket days will be provided with a makeup date, not a refund.—
Joseph Hernandez,
Kansas City Star,
20 July 2025
Verb
-
Twenty-five American women bolted for Britain to serve in the ATA in 1942.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 July 2025
-
During radiation, a mesh mask was molded to her face and bolted to the table to keep her completely still throughout each session.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
People.com,
13 July 2025
Verb
-
The Raptors got within one on a 3-pointer by Jamal Shead with 3:56 to go.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
20 July 2025
-
And so to be able to execute those and get some quick outs, get some early outs was definitely huge.—
LaMond Pope,
Chicago Tribune,
19 July 2025
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.
Cite this Entry
“Bug out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bug%20out. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share