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break Synonyms

Another word for break

Choosing another word for break depends on context, so the 70 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 9 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• noun (Context 1)

A pause or interruption in work, activity, or continuity, especially taken for rest or refreshment.

Usage Example

"The conference attendees took a brief fifteen-minute pause between the morning lectures."

Strongest
pause
recess
intermission
respite
breather
Strong
interval
rest
interlude
hiatus
lull

• verb (Context 2)

To separate or cause to separate into pieces as a result of a blow, shock, or strain.

Usage Example

"Be careful not to drop the porcelain vase on the tile floor, or it will shatter."

Strongest
shatter
fracture
smash
crack
Strong
snap
splinter
fragment
rupture
split
burst

• verb (Context 3)

To render or become inoperable, damaged, or out of working order (of a machine, device, or system).

Usage Example

"The office printer tends to break down whenever we have a large batch of documents to print."

Strongest
break down
malfunction
fail
give out
Strong
damage
conk out
bust
ruin

• noun (Context 4)

An opening, gap, crack, or fracture where something has separated or been damaged.

Usage Example

"The orthopedic surgeon examined the X-ray to determine the exact location of the fracture in the bone."

Strongest
fracture
crack
split
Strong
fissure
rupture
breach
gap
rift
cleft
opening

• verb (Context 5)

To interrupt a sequence, course, continuity, or state, or to pause briefly for rest.

Usage Example

"The committee decided to pause for lunch and reconvene at two o'clock."

Strongest
pause
adjourn
recess
interrupt
Strong
suspend
stop
halt
discontinue
knock off

• verb (Context 6)

To fail to observe or comply with a law, regulation, agreement, or promise.

Usage Example

"Drivers who violate the speed limit in school zones face substantial fines."

Strongest
violate
infringe
breach
contravene
disobey
Strong
transgress
defy
flout
disregard

• verb (Context 7)

To surpass or do better than a previously established record or achievement.

Usage Example

"The sprinter trained for four years hoping to beat the world record at the championship."

Strongest
beat
surpass
shatter
exceed
Strong
eclipse
top
outdo
better
smash
transcend

• noun (Context 8)

A complete termination of a relationship, association, or adherence to an established tradition.

Usage Example

"The artist's new exhibition marked a radical split from traditional landscape painting."

Strongest
split
rupture
estrangement
rift
schism
separation
Strong
departure
breach
division
falling-out

• noun (Context 9)

A sudden, fortunate opportunity or stroke of good luck that leads to advancement or success.

Usage Example

"Her big opportunity came when a renowned theater director noticed her performance in a local play."

Strongest
opportunity
chance
opening
Strong
godsend
windfall
breakthrough
boon
fluke

Opposites of break

The opposite of break shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

repair
obey
fix
continue
mend
reconciliation
observe
continuation
See all opposites of break

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Break. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/break
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