break the news
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.
However, the scientific paper detailing the discovery was published sooner than expected, meaning he had to break the news to him during a video call instead.
From BBC • Feb. 17, 2026
It fell to Barshay to break the news.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 5, 2026
Balde said he was "devastated" and had to break the news to his wife.
From Barron's • Dec. 17, 2025
Once he learned the show’s fate, Colbert said he was unsure about when he should break the news to his staff, debating whether to wait until after the summer break or in September.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 1, 2025
Then he gathered the men to break the news.
From "Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World" by Jennifer Armstrong
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From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.