1
as in stopped
to bring (as an action or operation) to an immediate end
the judge broke off court proceedings until after lunch
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in expired
to come to an end
talks between the two sides broke off when one began making unreasonable demands
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of broke off
Three bargaining units, representing probation officers, marshals and other Judicial Branch staff, broke off talks with Lamont about compensation in early July.
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Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 13 Jan. 2026
However, shortly before reuniting at David's wedding, Poppy learns — via Alex's brother — that Alex and Sarah broke off their engagement, but doesn't know why.
—Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
Running back Kewan Lacy, who entered the game with 23 rushing touchdowns, broke off a 73-yard run for a score to put the Rebels ahead 7-3.
—Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 9 Jan. 2026
The would-be victim followed the suspect after their confrontation initially broke off, at which point the suspect allegedly turned and stabbed at the victim.
—Greg Norman , Anders Hagstrom, FOXNews.com, 18 Dec. 2025
Soon after, Davis broke off his engagement to Canadian dancer Joan Stuart.
—Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 18 Dec. 2025
The Aggies broke off to make Texas their Thanksgiving weekend rival in 2024, and LSU finished up the year against Oklahoma the last two seasons.
—Tom Murphy, Arkansas Online, 13 Dec. 2025
One car broke off and the other, a silver 2019 Toyota Camry, drove southbound on I-275, later exiting in the downtown area.
—NPR, 8 Nov. 2025
For instance, in the closer, Rosa (Martinez) decided to leave her job as a medical examiner and broke off her romantic relationship with Yancy.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for broke off
Verb
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Ross, who was one of several federal agents involved in the arrest, initially drew his service weapon, but holstered the gun after Muñoz-Guatemala stopped his car and raised his hands, according to the affidavit.—
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Braddy stopped the car, got Quantisha back inside, and put Shandelle in the trunk, before driving for 30 to 45 minutes.—
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Those enhanced subsidies, in place since 2021, expired at the end of last year.—
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Nader later reshared the photo to her own Story — which has since expired — using it to spotlight her more natural appearance.—
Verb
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But after the 2024 election, the flow of migrants all but ceased.—
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In recent years, Blackhawk Bar & Grille and Century Theaters ceased operations at Blackhawk Plaza, which removed significant anchors from the center.—
Verb
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The Devils built on a 5-2 victory Monday night in Minnesota that ended a four-game losing streak.—
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Two days after Dallas’ season ended, the Cowboys fired defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus and HBO had footage of head coach Brian Schottenheimer informing the coaching staff that Eberflus had been let go.—
Verb
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De Blasio halted the successful Bloomberg initiatives and wasted hundreds of millions of dollars on efforts to improve failing schools rather than replacing them.—
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Between March 2020 and September 2023, loan repayments were halted, offering borrowers a period of relief as the pandemic caused economic challenges, leaving many without income and job loss.—
Verb
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Both concluded the same year, after which McHale played Tad O'Malley on The X-Files reboot.—
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The first project – converting the former Sedgefield Elementary into a Montessori program for pre-K through 6th grade – concluded in August.—
Verb
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And speaking of personal, the same CU faithful who called Seaton the next Penei Sewell 18 months ago are slamming him as a me-first, money-chasing hypocrite who quit on his team and his coach.—
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The reality is, whether your kid makes it to the pros or is part of the 70% who quit before 13, every kid eventually plays their last game at some point.—
Verb
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Climate Central intends to expand its billion-dollar database in the coming years, picking up where NOAA left off and potentially widening the data to incorporate smaller dollar scales, among other advances.—
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But some notable talent in the running among other awards groups were left off, and a few names made surprising appearances on the list.—
Cite this Entry
“Broke off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/broke%20off. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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