break loose

ADJECTIVE

spontaneous

Synonyms

STRONGEST

casual impromptu instinctive offhand simple unplanned voluntary

WEAK

ad-lib automatic down extemporaneous extempore free free-spirited from the hip impetuous improvised inevitable involuntary irresistible natural off top of head off-the-cuff unartful unavoidable unbidden uncompelled unconscious unconstrained uncontrived uncontrolled unforced unintentional unpremediated unprompted unsophisticated unstudied up front

Antonyms

STRONGEST

deliberate planned

WEAK

intended premeditated

VERB

break out

Synonyms

STRONGEST

depart flee leave

WEAK

abscond bolt burst out bust out get free

Antonyms

STRONGEST

come continue stay wait

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Andreas Skov Olsen floated in a cross and all hell was about to break loose.

From BBC • Mar. 1, 2026

As spring approaches, the sun warms the slopes and large ice blocks -- sometimes a meter long -- break loose.

From Science Daily • Oct. 16, 2025

When the foundations of a civilization crack, all hell can break loose.

From Salon • May 21, 2023

Davis could be injured again, and all hell could be about to break loose.

From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2023

Louie tried repeatedly to break loose, but he couldn’t get around the other men.

From "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand