fall apart

phrase

Synonyms of fall apartnext
1
: disintegrate
The pie was falling apart as I served it.
2
: to succumb to mental or emotional stress : break down
She began to fall apart when her son was imprisoned.

Examples of fall apart in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Firmware fun Flashing the firmware to the Arduino should be the easy part, but this is when things started falling apart for me. — Tim Stevens, ArsTechnica, 19 Oct. 2026 For this recipe, simmer them whole, with the skins on, until very tender but not falling apart. — Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 19 Oct. 2026 Cook for 20 minutes, or until the squash falls apart when pierced with a fork. — Candy Hom, AJC.com, 19 Oct. 2026 At Owen’s wedding, Pella’s engagement falls apart and her friendship with Irma seems to reach a breaking point. — B. D. McClay, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fall apart

Word History

First Known Use

1761, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fall apart was in 1761

Rhymes for fall apart

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Browse Nearby Words

fall all over oneself
fall apart
fall armyworm
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Cite this Entry

“Fall apart.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fall%20apart. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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