Definitions

escape hatch

NOUN

back door

Synonyms

STRONGEST

side door

WEAK

back entrance back stairs back way indirect access means of entry postern postern door secret exit secretive or illicit method trap door trapdoor wormhole

NOUN

escape clause

Synonyms

WEAK

clause escalator clause escapeway fine print hole to creep out of loophole saving clause technicality way of escape way-out

NOUN

fire escape

Synonyms

WEAK

escapeway fire egress fire exit

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.

His escape hatch came from a chance conversation with a dog owner who was excited to have found a bigger-than-normal lint roller.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 25, 2026

An "escape hatch" built into the side of pots is preventing so-called "bycatch" and allowing young lobsters, fish and other marine life to escape.

From BBC • Jun. 18, 2026

While the mechanics may be complicated, the upshot for savers is clear—anyone worried about declining saving account rates now has an escape hatch.

From Barron's • Dec. 11, 2025

I think the defense still has one largely overlooked escape hatch: the arcane legal instructions for deciding the felony charges.

From Los Angeles Times • May 23, 2024

Their single fault, from where Yossarian sat as a bombardier, was the tight crawlway separating the bombardier’s compartment in the plexiglass nose from the nearest escape hatch.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller

escape hatch

Example Sentences

Related Words