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

The hedge fund, which has a roughly 3.7% stake in Driven, had last month called on the company to launch a strategic review process and to explore a sale or break up, the Journal reported.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 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

Manager Daniel Farke accused Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" and break up play.

From BBC • Apr. 27, 2026

“I’m...I’m...I’m okay, Li’l Bit,” he claims, but the cry-hiccups break up his words.

From "On the Come Up" by Angie Thomas

break up

Example Sentences

Related Words