breaks 1 of 2

present tense third-person singular of break
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as in reduces
to bring to a lower grade or rank the captain was broken to lieutenant commander for disobeying a direct order from his group commander

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4
as in deciphers
to change (as a secret message) from code into ordinary language Alan Turing and the Bletchley Park mathematicians broke the Enigma code being used by the Nazis

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as in plows
to cut into and turn over the sod of (a piece of land) using a bladed implement farmers once broke fields with horse-drawn plows

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as in dies
to stop functioning after working for 30 years, the pump simply broke one day

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as in bankrupts
to cause to lose one's fortune and become unable to pay one's debts another bad investment could break him

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as in surfaces
to penetrate the surface (as of water) from below dolphins were breaking all around the boat

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breaks

2 of 2

noun

plural of break
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as in vacations
a period during which the usual routine of school or work is suspended most of the students at the boarding school are going home for Christmas break

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as in opportunities
a favorable combination of circumstances, time, and place in classic fashion, her big break came when, as an understudy, she took over for an ailing star

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as in accidents
an unexpected benefit or advantage resulting from the uncertain course of events a guy who just seems to get all the breaks in life

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6

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for breaks
Verb
  • Seeley suggests that work stress and worry over how to find the right work-life balance can ultimately have a negative impact on sleep, adding that a cycle often happens when, over time, prolonged sleep deprivation disrupts circadian rhythm, negatively affecting your physical and mental health.
    Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024
  • However, if your body is under chronic stress, your cortisol levels will remain high for long periods, which disrupts the body’s ability to cope with and manage stress.
    Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH, Verywell Health, 19 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Although Putin will inevitably claim victory when the fighting stops, the rest of the world should not come away with the impression that Russia has paid no cost for its aggression.
    Samuel Charap, Foreign Affairs, 24 Dec. 2024
  • This straightforward but highly effective measure stops creditors from viewing your credit report without your direct authorization.
    Alex Vakulov, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Studies have shown that time spent in nature not only reduces anxiety and improves mood but also enhances concentration and memory.
    Richard E. Cytowic, TIME, 23 Dec. 2024
  • Regular team training with industry best practices, plus automation, reduces errors and improves operational efficiency for market growth.
    Mohamed Madkour, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Major publishing companies and authors are arguing that a federal judge should deny Florida’s request to dismiss a lawsuit over the removal of school library books, saying a controversial state law violates First Amendment rights.
    Jim Saunders, Orlando Sentinel, 24 Dec. 2024
  • Incentives could also encompass partial sanctions relief, with snap-back clauses to reimpose them if Russia violates the terms of the deal.
    Samuel Charap, Foreign Affairs, 24 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Detroit’s players and coaches emphasized the chance for a reset going into the three-day holiday break this week, and maybe that solves a few issues.
    Max Bultman, The Athletic, 24 Dec. 2024
  • But in reality these moments are when the brain consolidates memories, solves complex problems, and generates creative insights.
    Richard E. Cytowic, TIME, 23 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • He's aided by his assistant, aspiring journalist Emmy (Robyn Cara), and by a veteran Irish investigative journalist, Dove (Siobhan Cullen), on assignment in exile from London after a story falls apart when her whistleblower source unexpectedly dies.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 24 Dec. 2024
  • With only one star to speak of, and no flashbacks or subplots to break up the central narrative, Netflix’s survival drama lives or dies by the quality of its lead performance.
    Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • That minimal percentage is caused by extremely dry air that circulates throughout the cabin at 30,000 feet.
    Sara Button, AFAR Media, 19 Dec. 2024
  • There’s no air conditioning, but a fan circulates air, and tents stay cool overnight.
    Nicole Trilivas, Travel + Leisure, 8 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Work on that new dock, which will better handle large Viking cruise ships, begins in 2025.
    Tom Daykin, Journal Sentinel, 24 Dec. 2024
  • In a rare event, the Jewish festival of lights, or Hanukkah, begins Wednesday — the same day as the Christians' Christmas celebration.
    Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 24 Dec. 2024
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.

Thesaurus Entries Near breaks

Cite this Entry

“Breaks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/breaks. Accessed 29 Dec. 2024.

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