outbreak

[out-breyk] / ˈaʊtˌbreɪk /

NOUN

sudden happening

Synonyms

STRONGEST

crash disruption epidemic eruption explosion flare-up onset plague storm surge uprising

STRONG

beginning blowup brawl break breaking burst commencement commotion convulsion crack dawn detonation discharge disorder ebullition effervescence fit flash fury gush insurrection irruption mutiny outburst outpouring paroxysm rebellion revolution roar sally sortie spasm spurt thunder tumult volley

WEAK

bursting gushing rending sundering

Antonyms

STRONGEST

calm peace

STRONG

calmness completion conclusion continuity end ending finish harmony obedience order

WEAK

finale

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.

Most analysts stress the economic backdrop now is different to that in 2022; inflation was already elevated before the outbreak of the Ukraine war, and the global economy was struggling with post-pandemic supply chain woes.

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026

Manufacturing orders dropped—the first decline since January—reversing some of the gains in March that came on the back of stock building after the outbreak of the war in Iran.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

This is the 17th Ebola outbreak to hit the DRC, a vast and unstable central African country of more than 100 million people.

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026

The renewed outbreak of fighting between Iran and Israel sent prices soaring overnight on concerns that it could derail efforts to bring the Middle East conflict to an end.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

A television journalist in the Farm Belt once said this about a suspected outbreak of hoof-and-mouth disease: The pasture contained several cows seen by news reporters that were dead, diseased, or dying.

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner

Vocabulary lists containing outbreak

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

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“Vaccine Controversy Shows Why We Need Markets, Not Mandates” by Ron Paul

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