break down 1 of 2

verb

Definition of break downnext
1
as in to classify
to arrange or assign according to type when presented with the pile of files, the first thing he did was to break them down by month, order within the month, and region

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Relevance

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2
as in to decompose
to go through decomposition the enamel of a human tooth will begin to break down when exposed to sugar for too long

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3
as in to analyze
to identify and examine the basic elements or parts of (something) especially for discovering interrelationships if we break the problem down into what appear to be three aspects of it, we'll have a better chance of solving it

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to die
to stop functioning the computer finally broke down and had to be replaced

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to crack
to yield to mental or emotional stress began to break down when he realized that he was on the verge of bankruptcy

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6
as in to take down
to take apart the crew was breaking down the party tent when we arrived

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in to shatter
to cause to break with violence and much noise firefighters had to break down the wall to rescue the kitten

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breakdown

2 of 2

noun

ˈbrāk-ˌdau̇n How to pronounce breakdown (audio)
1
as in nervous breakdown
a mental or nervous collapse if you don't ease your workload, you're going to have a breakdown

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2
as in decomposition
the process by which dead organic matter separates into simpler substances the breakdown of the body was arrested by the embalming process

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3
as in analysis
the separation and identification of the parts of a whole the boss wanted a detailed breakdown of the sales figures

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of break down
Verb
However, Benzene can be found in these types of products when benzoyl peroxide breaks down at elevated temperatures, sometimes during storage and transportation. — Sari Hitchins, Parents, 14 Mar. 2025 Below, the experts break down the signs of protein deficiency… 1. — Fiona Embleton, Glamour, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
With this vacancy, the new breakdown in the lower chamber is 218 Republicans and 213 Democrats, meaning the GOP can lose two votes on any party-line effort and still get it over the finish line, giving Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) more wiggle room in his razor-thin majority. — Mychael Schnell, The Hill, 13 Mar. 2025 Through it all—the fights, the coupon cutting, the hand-me-downs, the breakdowns—with love, humor and perseverance, the family prevails. — Denise Petski, Deadline, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for break down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for break down
  1. classify
  2. decompose
  3. analyze
  4. die
  5. crack
  6. take down
  7. shatter
  8. nervous breakdown
Verb
  • In order to be classified as gin, the spirit’s most prominent flavor must be piney, cool juniper.
    — Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 20 Mar. 2025
  • He’s produced a number of hip-hop tunes, and Billboard often classifies his work as rap.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of classify
Verb
  • Crimping is the process of severing a crop at the base and laying it over to create a decomposing thatch/mulch layer for the garden without disturbing the soil.
    — Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Even after your trash can is emptied, the bacteria and decomposing debris can be left behind in trace amounts, which causes the odors to remain.
    — Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of decompose
Verb
  • Creativity Can Be Your AI-Proof Superpower Sure, AI can analyze data much faster than any human, but true creativity?
    — William Arruda, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said this week that the FAA will use artificial intelligence to analyze data to look for similar danger areas.
    — arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of analyze
Verb
  • Michelle is morally and ethically confused, but decides that the greater good of the world depends on her brother dying.
    — Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Deaths were reported in Kansas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Arkansas, Texas, Alabama and Missouri, where three people died Friday when an EF-3 tornado with peak winds of 140 mph hit.
    — Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of die
Verb
  • And while Joan wasn't there to crack a joke or steal the spotlight, the 57-year-old bride made sure her mom was part of the celebration.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025
  • On the flip side, this will allow AI to crack ciphers much faster.
    — Chaim Mazal, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of crack
Verb
  • For context, Slingshot gave the Antelopes a 30% chance to beat Saint Mary’s last year, and Grand Canyon did in fact take down the No. 5 seed Gaels, 75-66.
    — C.J. Doon, Baltimore Sun, 19 Mar. 2025
  • With the adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s novel feeling more unsettlingly prescient than ever, the new trailer finds Elisabeth Moss’ June Osborne setting out to finally take down the oppressive government of Gilead.
    — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of take down
Verb
  • The animated blockbuster, which has shattered box office records, will debut in the U.K. and Ireland on March 21, with previews beginning March 14.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Investigators say at least seven shots were fired, damaging three cars and shattering windows.
    — Chris Isidore, CNN, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of shatter
Noun
  • Another great performance in a go-for-broke horror flick about a woman well over the verge of a nervous breakdown.
    — Amy Nicholson, Twin Cities, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Following the breakup, Claudel suffered a nervous breakdown and was committed for psychiatric treatment.
    — Tessa Solomon for ARTnews, Robb Report, 19 Feb. 2025
Definition of nervous breakdown

Phrases Containing break down

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“Break down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/break%20down. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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