Synonyms for Broken
Updated · Synonyms List editorial team
Quick answer: To find synonyms for broken, look for words describing things that are fractured, damaged, or no longer functional. This list offers alternatives ranging from formal terms for shattered objects to casual expressions for failed plans. You can use these words to vary your vocabulary when describing anything from physical objects to abstract concepts that have collapsed.
Closest Synonyms for Broken
- shattered
- Completely split into pieces; A vase shattered on the floor.
- fractured
- Cracked along a line; Her bone was fractured during the fall.
- split
- Separated into parts; The wood split under the weight.
- ruptured
- Torn apart, often a tube; The tire was ruptured by the nail.
- damaged
- Impaired in condition; The storm damaged the roof.
- destroyed
- Ruined beyond repair; The fire destroyed the house.
- cracked
- Having a break in the surface; The screen is cracked.
- splintered
- Broken into thin, sharp pieces; The log splintered into kindling.
- shredded
- Torn into strips; The document was shredded.
- fragmented
- Divided into distinct parts; The team became fragmented.
- wrecked
- Ruined completely; The car was wrecked in the crash.
- defaced
- Altered appearance negatively; The wall was defaced with graffiti.
Formal Synonyms for Broken
- disintegrated
- Fallen apart into small parts; The structure disintegrated in the storm.
- compromised
- Weakened or impaired; The security was compromised.
- impeded
- Blocked or hindered; The path was impeded by debris.
- deteriorated
- Became worse over time; The quality deteriorated quickly.
- interrupted
- Stopped from continuing; The meeting was interrupted.
- disrupted
- Disturbed order; The class was disrupted by noise.
- ruined
- Caused severe damage to; The flood ruined the crops.
Informal Synonyms for Broken
- beat up
- Hit badly; He got beat up at the party.
- fried
- Exhausted or worn out; I am fried after work.
- scraped
- Damaged the surface; The car was scraped.
- broken in
- Used until comfortable; The shoes are broken in.
- knocked up
- Hit hard; The box was knocked up.
- shot to
- Broken into pieces; The gun was shot to pieces.
- crashed
- Hit hard or failed; The plane crashed.
- teared up
- Emotionally broken; She teared up at the news.
- busted
- Broken or arrested; The lock was busted.
Stronger and Weaker Words
- crumbled
- weaker, use for soft materials like bread or walls
- defective
- weaker, use for items made wrong at the start
- malfunctioned
- stronger, use for machines that stop working
- discarded
- weaker, use for things thrown away because of damage
- flawed
- weaker, use for minor defects
- out of order
- weaker, use for machines that do not work
Antonyms for Broken
- whole
- intact
- sound
- unbroken
- functional
- repaired
- complete
- fixed
- solid
How to Pick the Right Synonym
Choose a synonym based on the specific type of break and the tone you wish to convey. Physical damage often calls for words like shattered or fractured, while abstract failures might use terms like disrupted or compromised. Always consider the context; a formal report requires different language than a casual conversation about a toy. Select the word that best matches the severity of the break and the object affected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between broken and damaged?
Damaged implies harm that can often be repaired, whereas broken suggests the item is no longer functional or has separated into parts.
Can broken be used for emotions?
Yes, people often describe feelings as broken to indicate sadness, heartache, or a loss of hope or stability.
What are some formal alternatives for broken?
Formal alternatives include disintegrated, compromised, or deteriorated, which fit better in professional or academic writing contexts.
How do I fix a broken sentence?
You can fix a broken sentence by adding missing subjects or verbs, ensuring clauses connect logically, or splitting run-on sentences into complete thoughts.
