break it to

VERB

instruct

Synonyms

STRONGEST

advise brief discipline disclose educate guide notify tell train tutor

STRONG

acquaint apprise brainwash coach counsel drill engineer enlighten ground lead lecture level pilot reveal school steer update

WEAK

break in clue in drum into give lessons keep posted wise up

Antonyms

STRONGEST

conceal hide learn neglect

STRONG

deceive mislead

WEAK

ask

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.

And I hate to break it to you, but everybody does some version of this – especially when it comes to Michael Jackson, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and other entertainment giants.

From Salon • May 14, 2026

“I hate to break it to you,” Valentine says, “but nobody sings in real life.”

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 9, 2025

One MP discovered a colleague's girlfriend in the house of another man when they knocked on the door - "We had to break it to him - quite awkward" they said - quite!

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2023

I hate to break it to you, but fish aren’t immortal.

From Washington Post • Feb. 17, 2023

"Coach, I hate to break it to you, but LeBron is a champ. He got rangs," I said, holding up two fingers and wiggling them around.

From "Ghost" by Jason Reynolds

break it to

Example Sentences

Related Words