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.

The current outbreak has been caused by a rare strain of Ebola known as Bundibugyo, which has no proven vaccine and kills about a third of those infected.

From BBC • May 31, 2026

"This outbreak will not be the last," he added.

From Barron's • May 31, 2026

The U.S. demand for pathogen and outbreak data has also raised concerns in Africa.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 31, 2026

Earlier this week, the California Department of Public Health announced it was investigating a suspected E. coli outbreak linked to The Kebab Shop chain between March 27 and April 30.

From Los Angeles Times • May 31, 2026

For reasons that are not clear, the outbreak subsided, and the virus vanished.

From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston

Vocabulary lists containing outbreak

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

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Talk Like Shakespeare Day, List 6

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

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