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.
So when Burnham decided to break with tradition and make his inaugural address Monday accompanied by only a minimalist microphone stand, a vocal faction of the electorate worried they’d lose more than the lectern.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026
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
Surely this was just Johanna deciding the time had come to break with us.
From "Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins
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.
