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.

But a joint bid coupled with a commitment to break up the group could ultimately avoid these problems, but the risk associated with the transaction would be significant, they add.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

“When billionaires break up it can be expensive and nasty,” Tobias added.

From Barron's • May 18, 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

In 2014 he helped break up the so-called boiler room scams operating from Spain that tricked British people into investing in non-existent shares.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 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