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Dictionary.com
Definitions

break off

VERB
snap off something
Synonyms
STRONGEST
sever
WEAK
detach disassemble divide part pull off separate splinter take apart
Antonyms
WEAK
combine join mend
VERB
end activity
Synonyms
STRONGEST
cease discontinue halt suspend terminate
WEAK
desist end finish pause stop
Antonyms
STRONGEST
begin carry on continue initiate start
NOUN
discontinuation
Synonyms
STRONGEST
break
STRONG
cessation discontinuance discontinuation ending halt hiatus intermission interruption lull pause recess stop termination
WEAK
hesitation

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.

“Should we leave NATO? Should we close American bases? Should we break off trade relations? Should we storm McDonald’s?”

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 17, 2026

"This enables us to measure the many different types of waves that are generated after icebergs break off," says lead author Dominik Gräff, a UW postdoctoral researcher affiliated with ETH Zurich.

From Science Daily • Nov. 14, 2025

The pair were later pictured together in Central Park in New York in December 2010 in a meeting Andrew claimed in his 2019 Newsnight interview was to break off their friendship.

From BBC • Oct. 31, 2025

More people walked up the dunes, including Dan Tauber, who said he’d been motorcycling around the area with friends before deciding to break off from the group to experience the launch.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 19, 2025

Maybe he expected it to break off like that piece of robot.

From "Ungifted" by Gordon Korman