break loose

ADJECTIVE

spontaneous

Synonyms

STRONGEST

casual impromptu instinctive offhand simple unplanned voluntary

WEAK

ad-lib automatic down extemporaneous extempore free free-spirited from the hip impetuous improvised inevitable involuntary irresistible natural off top of head off-the-cuff unartful unavoidable unbidden uncompelled unconscious unconstrained uncontrived uncontrolled unforced unintentional unpremediated unprompted unsophisticated unstudied up front

Antonyms

STRONGEST

deliberate planned

WEAK

intended premeditated

VERB

break out

Synonyms

STRONGEST

depart flee leave

WEAK

abscond bolt burst out bust out get free

Antonyms

STRONGEST

come continue stay wait

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.

Andreas Skov Olsen floated in a cross and all hell was about to break loose.

From BBC • Mar. 1, 2026

Blood clots form in the veins and can break loose and travel with the circulation to the lungs, leading to pulmonary embolism.

From Science Daily • Nov. 27, 2024

Ol’ heads were chattin’ that if Nick Saban didn’t get it together soon, Prime would roll into Tuscaloosa next and, then naturally, all hell would break loose.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 28, 2023

Brienz was evacuated on May 12 after geologists warned that the Alpine rock looming over the village could break loose.

From Washington Times • Jun. 16, 2023

We used to call that “Mommy’s madwalk,” and if she was doing it in your direction, all hell was gonna break loose.

From "The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother" by James McBride

break loose

Example Sentences

Related Words