1
as in flies
to hasten away from something dangerous or frightening
the ground soldiers bugged out just before the start of the aerial bombing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in exits
to leave a place often for another
the strange visitor bugged out without so much as saying a word
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of bugs out
Sealing cracks, maintaining your yard, and using insect barriers are the most effective ways to keep boxelder bugs out.
—
Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Oct. 2025
The clear lids have a tight seal that locks the temperature in and keeps the fire ants and love bugs out.
—Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 19 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bugs out
Verb
-
So instead, to keep costs down and power up, the Starcloud satellite flies what is known as a dawn-dusk sun-synchronous orbit, circling the planet at a near vertical 83° angle that carries it over the poles and keeps it almost constantly exposed to the sun.—
-
Across the canyon, flames leapt up the Paseo Miramar trail, still two miles away as the crow flies, but already too close to ignore.—
Verb
-
After Jack drives away, Rachel realizes her predicament and exits her car to find Alice.—
-
The money will only be returned after the traveler exits the US before the expiry of their visa.—
Verb
-
Brunson retreats and ultimately turns the ball over on a pass to Miles McBride.—
-
As Gustav aims to work his way back into their lives, Nora retreats into isolation as her mental health increasingly declines.—
Verb
-
As Kennedy departs, FN’s 2025 Company of the Year has appointed Justin Cupps as president of Wolverine Worldwide’s Work Group.—
-
As Lorenzen departs, the Royals will reshape their starting rotation.—
Verb
-
Continue reading … OCEAN ESCAPE – Sanctioned tanker flees US forces, now under Russian naval escort off Irish coast.—
-
Shane Stant clubs Kerrigan on the knee and flees the scene.—
Verb
-
One slightly wrong rate in a budget, procurement forecast, or loan estimate easily moves millions of dollars in the wrong direction.—
-
The Honda moves forward, turning to the right.—
Verb
-
The canine then bolts across the field and is immediately chased by one horse, with about five more joining in moments later.—
-
Parsley is a biennial that quickly bolts and dies the second year, and since second-year parsley is bitter, it’s typically grown as an annual.—
Verb
-
Blast bugs off your house with the garden hose.—
Cite this Entry
“Bugs out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bugs%20out. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share