break with
Britishverb
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Separate from, sever relations with. For example, On this issue the prime minister was forced to break with his cabinet . [Late 1500s] Also see break off , def. 2 and 3.
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Depart from, reject, as in The couple broke with tradition and decided to write their own marriage vows . [Late 1800s]
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.
Some wordplay to end the day: Take a quick break with Slate’s Pears game, which challenges you to make as many words out of one combination of letters as you can.
From Slate ● Jul. 14, 2026
The Dodgers’ 9-2 loss to the Diamondbacks on Saturday wasn’t enough to prevent them from going into the All-Star break with the best record in the majors — that much is ensured.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 12, 2026
The lack of visible female coaches creates a cycle that is difficult to break, with Zaniewska believing some women just do not see it as an option.
From BBC ● Jun. 23, 2026
He announced that the country's domestic intelligence agency would break with the American data sifting giant Palantir in favour of local firm ChapsVision.
From Barron's ● Jun. 17, 2026
A complete break with the traditions of this country.'
From "The Remains of the Day" by Kazuo Ishiguro
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.