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.

But he added the States of Guernsey owned airline was spending around 120% more on fuel than it had been before the outbreak of the Iran war.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

“Prices have climbed since the outbreak of the war, but at a much slower pace than overall crude oil.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

“CDPH considers Raw Farm raw dairy the source of the outbreak based on this strong epidemiologic data, despite the negative laboratory testing results from a limited sample of retail products.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

With the outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East, gold fell around 12% in March.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026

They were monkeys from Room F, the original hot spot of the outbreak, some of monkeys that had been sacrificed by Dan Dalgard.

From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston

outbreak

Example Sentences

Related Words