Definitions

break up

VERB

end relationship, activity

Synonyms

STRONGEST

adjourn disband dismantle disperse disrupt dissolve divide halt put an end to separate split stop suspend terminate

WEAK

disassemble divorce end part scatter sever sunder take apart

Antonyms

STRONGEST

arrange assemble begin collect combine continue encourage gather go join marry open put together start unite

WEAK

reconcile

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.

Sometimes bands break up for one specific or large reason, and sometimes it is a chain of events, seemingly unrelated, or not visible from the outside.

From Salon • Jun. 9, 2026

They said they loved it, but both of them decided to break up with their girlfriends after reading the book.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026

As the case wends its way through the courts, the government has not yet made good on its threat to break up NCAR's various labs, which currently employ about 800 people.

From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026

"We're disappointed but we will get back together to have a look at it before we break up."

From BBC • May 22, 2026

I wonder how I’m going to break up with someone who’s not really my boyfriend.

From "A Good Kind of Trouble" by Lisa Moore Ramée

break up

Example Sentences

Related Words