breach
15 synonyms and 1 antonym for breach, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A failure to follow a law, agreement, or rule.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A failure to follow a law, agreement, or rule.
“Sharing your password with others is a breach of the website's rules.”
Opposites
2. verb
To break through or violate something.
“If you breach the contract, you may have to pay compensation.”
How to use breach
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
data breach
breach of contract
security breach
breach the wall
Etymology
From Old English bryce and brǣc ("a breaking"), related to the verb "break."
Full origin of breach →Frequently asked questions
What does “breach” mean?
The word “breach” means a failure to follow a law, agreement, or rule. In plain terms, breaking a rule, agreement, or physical barrier — used for anything from data leaks to burst river banks.
How do you pronounce “breach”?
“Breach” is pronounced BREECH (/ˈbɹiːt͡ʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “breach” in a sentence?
Here is “breach” used in a sentence: “Leaking the client's data was a serious breach of confidentiality.”
What is another word for “breach”?
Words with a similar meaning to “breach” include break, gap, rift and rupture.
What part of speech is “breach”?
Depending on how it is used, “breach” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “breach” come from?
The word “breach” comes from Old English. From Old English bryce and brǣc ("a breaking"), related to the verb "break.".
Is “breach” a common word?
“Breach” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “breach” have?
“Breach” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a failure to follow a law, agreement, or rule.
What is the difference between 'breach' and 'violation'?
Both describe a failure to obey a rule or agreement and often overlap. 'Breach' is especially common in legal and contractual contexts, as in 'breach of contract,' while 'violation' is used more broadly for breaking laws, rights, or standards.
What is the difference between 'breach' and 'break'?
'Break' is a general word for separating something into pieces or stopping something, while 'breach' specifically means either violating a rule or making a gap in a barrier. You break a cup, but you breach a wall or an agreement.
