Synonyms for
Outbreaks
Definition
A sudden occurrence or increase of something, typically something unwelcome or harmful.
Synonyms & similar words
Synonyms by register
Literary
Antonyms
Common collocations
- disease outbreaks
- violent outbreaks
- outbreaks of violence
- outbreaks of flu
- outbreaks of war
- sudden outbreaks
- major outbreaks
Word family
Usage note
Primarily used to describe the sudden occurrence of something undesirable, such as disease, violence, or conflict. Less commonly used for positive events.
Compare "outbreaks" with another word →
Example sentences
- There was an outbreak of laughter when the clown slipped on the banana peel.
- The school had to close due to an outbreak of lice.
- The outbreak of the virus caused people to panic.
- The outbreak of violence was unexpected.
- The outbreak of protests spread to other cities.
Quotes
'Outbreaks of measles and other infectious diseases are occurring in parts of the world where vaccination coverage is declining,' - Margaret Chan
'Human history has consisted only of short, localized outbreaks of rationality. - Northrop Frye
'There have been outbreaks of Ebola before, but nothing on the scale of this.' - Bruce Aylward