BUGS OUT Synonyms: 109 Similar and Opposite Words

bugs out

verb

present tense third-person singular of bug out

as in flies

to hasten away from something dangerous or frightening the ground soldiers bugged out just before the start of the aerial bombing

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in exits

to leave a place often for another the strange visitor bugged out without so much as saying a word

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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 bugs out The cuffed hemline can also be tightened as needed—a tiny detail that’s extra useful for keeping bugs out of your pant legs during outdoor adventures. — Kate Donovan, Southern Living, 11 July 2026 The gazebo also includes transparent panels designed to keep pesky bugs out without obstructing the breeze or your views. — Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026 Sealing cracks, maintaining your yard, and using insect barriers are the most effective ways to keep boxelder bugs out. — Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Oct. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bugs out

Verb

Delta Air Lines flies direct between Atlanta and Johannesburg and is expected to launch service between Atlanta and Cape Town later this year.

— Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Aug. 2026
Hig flies old Cessna planes into Denver for supplies and makes occasional deliveries to a local Mennonite community led by Aaron (Benedict Wong).

— Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of flies

Verb

Havelock neither retreats to the closet nor holds out hope for resolution via vigilante justice.

— Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
With the bulk of his work at practice done for the day, Achord retreats to the back of the end zone with Koonz, squatting and scribbling something on paper.

— Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of retreats

Verb

Based on the legend of the Chinese goddess Chang’e, this book reimagines and expands the myth to center her daughter, Xingyin, who flees her home and embarks on a bold adventure to save her mother while training in enemy territory.

— Chloe Gong, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026
Holden eagerly rebels against Pencey Prep, gets the boot, and flees to New York City, a place with its own vices and hazards, but without the sort of propaganda and pretense that obscure the school’s dark underside.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of flees

Verb

Areas farther east could see greater impacts if the center moves toward the Sabine Pass area, as some forecast guidance currently suggests.

— Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
In training camp, Steward worked at nickel and at safety, but the personnel moves around the secondary have factored him out.

— Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of moves

Verb

Then, the unit bolts to the van, becoming a secure load that happens to contain a full living suite.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 20 Aug. 2026
When a company bolts AI on without building it into the way the company works, the company can end up paying a great deal of money for a capability its competitors already share.

— Mohamed Khater, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of bolts

Browse Nearby Words

bugs off

bugs out

build

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Style

“Bugs out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bugs%20out. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of bugs out

verb

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