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.

German manufacturing orders dropped in April, reversing some of the gains in March that came on the back of stock building after the outbreak of the war in Iran.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

There is no specific vaccine or treatment for the Bundibugyo Ebola strain behind the latest outbreak.

From Barron's • Jun. 7, 2026

Texas Gov Greg Abbott declared a state of disaster on Friday over the "imminent threat" the outbreak posed.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026

The skirmishing was the latest outbreak of violence under a ceasefire struck two months ago by the U.S. and Iran.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 6, 2026

One of his friends came up with the phrase “health epidemic,” and they were going on to the parents and lifeguards that we needed to be ejected to prevent an outbreak at the pool.

From "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls

Vocabulary lists containing outbreak

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Talk Like Shakespeare Day, List 6

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

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

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!