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.

It is unclear what methods police used to break up the protest.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

Sometimes bands break up for one specific or large reason, and sometimes it is a chain of events, seemingly unrelated, or not visible from the outside.

From Salon • Jun. 9, 2026

I don’t want people to break up with people, but if this sheds a light on a relationship, hopefully that means they can talk about it and improve it.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026

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

From Barron's • May 18, 2026

The stranger’s face had a pained expression of stupor and he seemed to be battling silently against his primary instincts so as not to break up the mirage.

From "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

break up

Example Sentences

Related Words