outbreak

[out-breyk] / ˈaʊtˌbreɪk /

NOUN

sudden happening

Synonyms

STRONGEST

crash disruption epidemic eruption explosion flare-up onset plague storm surge uprising

STRONG

beginning blowup brawl break breaking burst commencement commotion convulsion crack dawn detonation discharge disorder ebullition effervescence fit flash fury gush insurrection irruption mutiny outburst outpouring paroxysm rebellion revolution roar sally sortie spasm spurt thunder tumult volley

WEAK

bursting gushing rending sundering

Antonyms

STRONGEST

calm peace

STRONG

calmness completion conclusion continuity end ending finish harmony obedience order

WEAK

finale

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.

As if the task was not challenging enough, authorities must now contend with mounting concerns over the outbreak of Ebola, centred on the Democratic Republic of Congo.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

The epicentre of the current outbreak is the DRC's northeastern Ituri province, a region that is difficult to access region due to poor roads and is plagued by insecurity because of armed groups.

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026

The renewed outbreak of fighting between Iran and Israel sent prices soaring overnight on concerns that it could derail efforts to bring the Middle East conflict to an end.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

This is the 17th Ebola outbreak to hit the DRC, a vast and unstable central African country of more than 100 million people.

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026

There an outbreak of the black-headed budworm had been raging for several years.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

Vocabulary lists containing outbreak

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

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“Vaccine Controversy Shows Why We Need Markets, Not Mandates” by Ron Paul

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