as in splits
the act or process of a whole separating into two or more parts or pieces
the breakup of the Soviet Union and the collapse of communism pretty much signaled the end of the Cold War
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Recent Examples of breakups
Both Styles and Kravitz had breakups in 2024.
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Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 13 Jan. 2026
Jones and Gonzalez had pass breakups, Anfernee Jennings, Jones, Williams (two) and Chaisson (two) came away with sacks, and Davis and Christian Elliss registered QB hits.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 12 Jan. 2026
And cornerback Mike Jackson, who had four pass breakups and an interception in the playoff game, dismissed criticism of Evero’s play-calling on the defense’s final drive.
—Mike Kaye
updated January 11, Charlotte Observer, 11 Jan. 2026
Listed at 6-foot-1, 180 pounds, Parks appeared in 10 games as a junior this season with five starts, producing 21 tackles and two pass breakups.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Jan. 2026
At safety, the Gators lost three-year starter Jordan Castell but will return senior Bryce Thornton, a two-year starter who recorded 56 tackles and a team-leading six pass breakups, five quarterback hurries and two fumble recoveries.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Jan. 2026
The Virginia Tech transfer was a unanimous All-American with 45 tackles, 11 pass breakups and two interceptions this season.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026
Williams had two pass breakups against capable receivers Tyler Lockett and Tre Tucker, a near-interception and a vicious sack on one of Steve Spagnuolo’s defensive back blitzes.
—Kansas City Star, 5 Jan. 2026
Pollock finished 2025 with seven pass breakups and five interceptions.
—Ty Kaplan, Dallas Morning News, 5 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for breakups
Noun
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It's also known as high season for marital splits, although that reputation may be more myth than reality.—
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Whatever the reason, this year’s splits have shaken generations of fans who were rooting for the former couples to find their happily ever after.—
Noun
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The drama that sometimes follows their dissolutions speaks to a broader uncertainty in the air about how gay couples should be.—
Noun
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Poland’s modern history was shaped by partitions, invasions and relying on others for security on the ground.—
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And while many familiar names in wealthier metropolitan states fare well, the health picture is a reminder that the rural-urban split remains one of America’s most enduring partitions.—
Noun
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The Democratic Party is looking to the post-Trump era, too, with divisions that are considerably more public.—
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Maybe baseball could pull off something similar, especially if a tournament were added within a 32-team expansion that creates eight, four-team divisions, from which some sort of divisional play-in format could fit a typical regular season schedule while creating an eight-team tournament field.—
Noun
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Such separations are essential to operational security, ensuring that unauthorized individuals cannot access highly sensitive information.—
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Such separations are essential to operational security, ensuring that unauthorized individuals cannot access highly sensitive information.—
Noun
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The right’s schisms were on full display during AmericaFest, Turning Point USA’s annual conference, which took place in Phoenix this past weekend.—
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But the debate over how to regulate AI has caused schisms not only in the industry but also within the conservative movement and Republican party.—
Cite this Entry
“Breakups.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/breakups. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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