The phrase "breaks ground" signifies the beginning of a construction or project, but there are several antonyms that imply the opposite action. One such word is "abandons," meaning to give up or desert a venture. Other antonyms include "halts," "postpones," "delays," "suspends," and "cancels," all suggesting a pause or termination of the project. These words imply a lack of progress, unlike "breaks ground" which suggests an exciting start. While these antonyms may convey negativity, they remind us that not all endeavors succeed, and sometimes it's better to quit rather than continue in vain.