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Definitions

break up

VERB
end relationship, activity
Synonyms
STRONGEST
adjourn disband dismantle disperse disrupt dissolve divide halt put an end to separate split stop suspend terminate
WEAK
disassemble divorce end part scatter sever sunder take apart
Antonyms
STRONGEST
arrange assemble begin collect combine continue encourage gather go join marry open put together start unite
WEAK
reconcile

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.

Jonathan Evans, who represents Officer Isaiah Goodie, said his client was specifically told by Brooks and Smyles not to break up fights.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

This rapid vaporization triggers a phenomenon known as a "micro-explosion," which helps break up the fuel into finer particles.

From Science Daily • Mar. 13, 2026

If it proceeds, the outcome will be far less severe for Live Nation than the government's initial plan to break up the company.

From BBC • Mar. 9, 2026

Ethnic Persians are about half the population, and even those who detest the theocratic regime don’t want the country to break up or descend into civil war.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 8, 2026

All it would take is a minute—less—to break up with him.

From "Every Day" by David Levithan