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.

Traffic is set to be at its busiest on Good Friday, according to the RAC, although levels are expected to be consistently high from Thursday, when many schools break up.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

This rapid vaporization triggers a phenomenon known as a "micro-explosion," which helps break up the fuel into finer particles.

From Science Daily • Mar. 13, 2026

After a decade of share price underperformance, Kraft Heinz said in September it will break up.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 28, 2026

Former Assemblyman Ian Calderon offered a more modest promise to provide free child care to families earning less than $100,000 annually and to break up PG&E, California’s largest utility, “and literally take California’s power back.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 22, 2026

I mean, when you break up with someone, it’s over.

From "Piecing Me Together" by Renée Watson

break up

Example Sentences

Related Words