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Dictionary.com

breaking down

ADJECTIVE
decaying
Synonyms
STRONGEST
collapsing crumbling deteriorating
STRONG
decomposing disintegrating eroding oxidizing rusting spoiling
WEAK
breaking up falling to pieces in ruins wasting away wearing away
NOUN
division
Synonyms
STRONGEST
distribution
STRONG
analysis apportionment autopsy bisection breaking carving demarcation detachment diagnosis disjuncture dismemberment dissolution disunion divorce parceling parting partition reduction rupture segmentation selection severance subdivision vivisection
WEAK
breaking up contrasting cutting up departmentalizing detaching disparting disseverance distinguishing disuniting dividing rending separating splitting up
Antonyms
STRONG
attachment combination connection union
WEAK
accord agreement juncture system unification unison unity whole
NOUN
severance
Synonyms
STRONG
analysis apportionment autopsy bisection breaking carving demarcation detachment diagnosis disjunction disjuncture dismemberment dissolution distribution disunion divorce divorcement parceling parting partition reduction rupture segmentation selection separation split subdivision vivisection
WEAK
breaking up contrasting cutting up departmentalizing detaching disparting disseverance disseverment distinguishing disuniting dividing rending separating splitting up
Antonyms
STRONG
attachment closing closure combination connection juncture marriage union

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.

HSL plays a central role in this process by breaking down triglycerides into fatty acids that other organs can use for fuel.

From Science Daily • May 8, 2026

But today shares of Wingstop are some 60% off those highs, and the stock market’s main chicken-wing trade on Wednesday was showing more signs of breaking down.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 29, 2026

"I'm so emotional," said fan Cristina Medina, breaking down in tears.

From Barron's • Apr. 12, 2026

McCarthy, who’s road-tripped from his home in New York City, proceeds cautiously, stepping gently around the mess and breaking down boxes.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

Patria led the rosary, breaking down every now and then, Dede filling in those breaks with a strong, full voice.

From "In the Time of the Butterflies" by Julia Alvarez