broke off

VERB

snap off something

Synonyms

STRONGEST

sever

WEAK

detach disassemble divide part pull off separate splinter take apart

Antonyms

WEAK

begin combine join mend start

VERB

end activity

Synonyms

STRONGEST

cease discontinue halt suspend terminate

WEAK

desist end finish pause stop

Antonyms

STRONGEST

begin carry on continue go initiate start

WEAK

combine join mend

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.

Thus cracked open the ongoing bilateral fracture, though Mexico City and Madrid never broke off formal diplomatic ties.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2026

The show inspired optimism, yes, but it certainly didn’t turn the dial so decisively toward radical hope that the knob broke off.

From Salon • Mar. 16, 2026

Boynton, best known for her role in Freddie Mercury biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, will play Paul McCartney's fiancée Jane Asher, who famously broke off their engagement during an interview on national TV.

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2026

During earlier warm periods, when more ice broke off from West Antarctica and drifted northward, the iron entering the ocean was often in this poorly soluble form.

From Science Daily • Feb. 4, 2026

He plucked some twigs from the nearest tree and broke off a few short branches, shredding the twigs and placing them as well as he could before striking a match.

From "The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage" by Philip Pullman