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Definitions

break

[breyk] / breɪk /










VERB
better a performance
Synonyms
Antonyms
STRONGEST
STRONG




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.

See Examples For:

These cards can help if the cardholder uses the introductory period as a chance to pay off the debt, instead of taking a break from paying interest.

From MarketWatch Sep. 16, 2026

If tech bros are saying that AI might someday break containment and take down civilization, that sounds like an accountability sink coupled with an investor pitch.

From Salon Sep. 16, 2026

If platforms break the rules, they face fines of up to six percent of annual turnover, according to a second document seen by AFP.

From Barron's Sep. 16, 2026

That will probably deny him the opportunity to break up the stat that the three youngest players to score in the League Cup for a Premier League side all did so for Arsenal.

From BBC Sep. 15, 2026

A cut or break in the skin lets staph and strep bacteria colonize the warm, wet, nutrient-rich cells inside.

From "Phineas Gage" by John Fleischman

By the turn of the century, such devices were ubiquitous, joining airbags and antilock breaks as standard safety features.

From Los Angeles Times Sep. 15, 2026

Epidemiologist Gideon Meyerowitz-Katz breaks down the science and concludes that the results are actually pretty reassuring.

From Slate Sep. 14, 2026

Their screening indicated a pattern associated with breaks in DNA strands.

From Science Daily Sep. 14, 2026

Johnson was, at least in part, reacting to calls from prominent opposition Democrats who have called for the cancellation of congressional breaks in October so that lawmakers could work on AI safety legislation.

From Barron's Sep. 13, 2026

Ms. Pearl’s wrinkly face breaks into a shining smile.

From "The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman" by Gennifer Choldenko

He is now 81 points ahead of team-mate George Russell, who finished fifth after a difficult race on a confusing strategy, and 101 clear of Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton, who retired early on with brake failure.

From BBC Sep. 13, 2026

Raising interest rates would increase borrowing costs across the board for the US economy, acting as a brake on further investment and consumption activity.

From Barron's Sep. 13, 2026

After a few miles, he put his foot on the brake.

From Los Angeles Times Sep. 6, 2026

"We discovered that AHR functions like a brake that shifts neurons toward managing stress rather than rebuilding damaged connections."

From Science Daily Aug. 29, 2026

My first reaction was to press down on the brake with all of my weight.

From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall

They also broke up an evening protest in Ankara, reportedly detaining around dozen people although there was no independent confirmation of the numbers.

From Barron's Sep. 16, 2026

Months later in July, a similar situation played out when another train lost power and broke down in a tunnel in Anaheim Hills.

From Los Angeles Times Sep. 15, 2026

His breakthrough came last season as he broke several records.

From BBC Sep. 15, 2026

When that understanding broke down, Saudi Arabia, focused on Iran, hesitated.

From The Wall Street Journal Sep. 15, 2026

The sun’s frail light no longer broke the canopy, and in the deepening shadows, the faint glow of the four realms was beginning to appear.

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman

He claimed that Paltrow skied out of control and slammed into him, causing four broken ribs and permanent brain damage.

From Los Angeles Times Sep. 16, 2026

While the MPs who took part in the debate did not agree with the need for a referendum, there was broad consensus that the current model was "broken", and needed to be fixed.

From BBC Sep. 16, 2026

But the term is so imprecisely defined and hard to test that it is possible for anyone to declare that they have broken through.

From The Wall Street Journal Sep. 15, 2026

Instead of only preventing new methane emissions, scientists are exploring whether chemical processes could safely increase the rate at which methane already in the atmosphere is broken down.

From Science Daily Sep. 15, 2026

Father knots the broken sack, lifts the small packet of lard and the one good egg left.

From "Will’s Race for Home" by Jewell Parker Rhodes

On Tuesday, he struck a brighter tone as he and the mayor celebrated breaking ground on the recreation center, which will include sports fields, tennis courts and a gym.

From Los Angeles Times Sep. 16, 2026

When dominating the ball, breaking down a team requires strong one-against-one wingers.

From BBC Sep. 16, 2026

A key measure of consumer prices rose more than expected in August, breaking two months of improvement that had tentatively validated the Fed’s own forecast.

From The Wall Street Journal Sep. 15, 2026

“MAGS is on the verge of breaking out and looks quite positive here, with stocks like Apple, Alphabet, and Meta having all firmed up nicely in recent days,” said Fundstrat’s Newton.

From MarketWatch Sep. 15, 2026

Churro barked at Natalie, breaking the spell the manatee had on her.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz




Vocabulary lists containing break


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