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Definitions

break off

VERB
snap off something
Synonyms
STRONGEST
sever
WEAK
detach disassemble divide part pull off separate splinter take apart
Antonyms
WEAK
combine join mend
VERB
end activity
Synonyms
STRONGEST
cease discontinue halt suspend terminate
WEAK
desist end finish pause stop
Antonyms
STRONGEST
begin carry on continue initiate start
NOUN
discontinuation
Synonyms
STRONGEST
break
STRONG
cessation discontinuance discontinuation ending halt hiatus intermission interruption lull pause recess stop termination
WEAK
hesitation

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.

Toward the end of 2020—with Covid having pushed everyone into their respective video chat boxes—a group coalesced around Dario to break off and form their own company.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 28, 2026

When ovarian cancer develops, cancer cells break off from the tumor.

From Science Daily • Feb. 9, 2026

At Notre Dame, a blatant missed run fit saw Irish back Jeremiyah Love break off an explosive touchdown run that turned the tides.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 12, 2025

The pair were then pictured together in Central Park in New York in December 2010, in a meeting that Andrew later told the BBC was to break off their friendship.

From BBC • Nov. 1, 2025

He stood mostly in the corner of the room, still shocked and confused by Alma’s quick decision to break off their engagement and ask him to leave.

From "Where Things Come Back" by John Corey Whaley