Definitions

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.

Abel not surprisingly forcefully rejected the idea that Berkshire, the world’s biggest conglomerate, should break up, saying the company benefits from diversification and the ability to shift capital between businesses as opportunities arise.

From Barron's • May 3, 2026

In other words, given the emergency nature of the situation, break up what you need to break up in order to successfully counterpunch.

From Slate • Apr. 30, 2026

Either to break up the momentum of the opposition by causing a stoppage in play, or for the coach to give instructions to his players.

From BBC • Apr. 27, 2026

Rojas retired the first 18 Roosevelt batters until giving up a leadoff single in the seventh to break up his perfect game.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

The boys break up and walk to different buildings, except for Lakshman, who joins me.

From "Born Behind Bars" by Padma Venkatraman

break up

Example Sentences

Related Words